In a bid to curb the growing menace of cybercrime and promote responsible digital practices among Nigerians, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has launched a major public sensitization campaign to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Abuja.
Speaking during the event, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, underscored the need for continuous public enlightenment to tackle the surge in online fraud, identity theft, and other cyber-enabled crimes.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to strengthen the Force’s capacity in combating emerging crimes through intelligence, collaboration, and community engagement. 
Abubakar urged Nigerians to be cautious when sharing personal information online and to report suspicious activities or cases of cyber fraud to the nearest police station or the NPF-NCCC, assuring that the Force remains committed to safeguarding citizens in both physical and virtual spaces.
In his remarks, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) described cybercrime as a national security issue that undermines trust, exploits vulnerabilities, and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in society.
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Cheikh Toure, represented by the Project Coordinator, UNODC Cybercrime, Ms. Baranaye Diana Marcus, said the campaign reflects Nigeria’s proactive stance in building resilience, raising awareness, and fostering collaboration across sectors.
He said “In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue; it is a matter of national security, economic stability, and human rights. Cybercrime undermines trust, exploits vulnerabilities, and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in our society. 
“UNODC remains a proud partner in this journey. Through our global, regional, and national initiatives, we are committed to supporting Nigeria in strengthening its legal frameworks, enhancing investigative capacities, and promoting international cooperation.
“Together, we can ensure that cyberspace remains a force for good — a space where innovation thrives, rights are protected, and justice prevails.”
In a goodwill message, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mrs. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, commended the NPF-NCCC for its leadership and excellence in tackling cyber threats to ensure that Nigeria’s cyberspace remains secure, resilient, and trusted.
Represented by the Director of Information Technology and Identity Database, Mr. Lanre Yusuf, she emphasized that trusted identity is at the core of a secure digital ecosystem, underscoring the synergy between cybersecurity and national identity. 
She stated that as technology continues to evolve, so do the threats in today’s digital age — such as identity theft, data breaches, and misuse of digital credentials. Addressing these concerns requires not only advanced technology and effective regulation but also a culture of vigilance and shared responsibility across institutions, the private sector, and the citizenry.”
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, in her goodwill message, said the event reflects the shared commitment of security agencies to foster a culture of cyber vigilance, collaboration, and public awareness.
Also speaking, the Director of the National Cybercrime Center, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, reaffirmed the Center’s commitment to continuous engagement with communities, institutions, and media organizations to strengthen cyber literacy and public safety nationwide.
The campaign featured interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and the distribution of educational materials to equip participants with practical knowledge on identifying and reporting cyber threats.
The campaign, which took place at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from the security, technology, and media sectors to raise awareness about cyber threats, online safety, and the importance of vigilance in the digital space.
LV