The Nigeria Police Force has inaugurated a National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) to combat the rising tide of cybercrime in the country. The inspiration to establish the center was drawn from the surge in internet fraud and identity theft, according to Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Investigation, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, DIG Alabi, who supervises the newly established center, highlighted its significance in addressing the rampant activities of online criminals, commonly referred to as ‘yahoo boys.’ He noted that the unit is among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“It is an honor and great privilege to welcome Your Excellency on this special occasion of the official commissioning of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center, a national monument and one of its kind in the entire Sub-Sahara Africa,” said Alabi. “What we witness here today is indeed a dream come true and a timely response to the evolving wave of cybercrime and its consequential effects on our national ecosystem.”
The vision for the center originated from a humble beginning in a container lab at the Force Criminal Investigation Department. Despite operating with outdated equipment, a dedicated team identified the need to tackle the upsurge in cybercrime and fill the knowledge and skill gaps within the force.
Alabi explained that the center has rapidly gained global recognition, achieving numerous successes in collaboration with INTERPOL and international partners. These efforts have led to the arrest and prosecution of high-profile cybercriminals and the dismantling of sophisticated cybercrime syndicates.
Under the leadership of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the NPF-NCCC boasts a team of forensic and cybercrime experts, including Certified Ethical Hackers and Computer Forensic Investigators. The center is structured into seven directorates and equipped with five functional digital forensic laboratories.
The NPF-NCCC serves as a cybercrime fusion center for all law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and beyond, providing real-time interventions on cyber-enabled crime and cybersecurity threats across both public and private sectors. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art digital forensic tools, ensuring Nigeria remains at the forefront of cybercrime investigation.
DIG Alabi expressed gratitude to the government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for their support in establishing the center, which aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also appealed for a special intervention fund to sustain the center’s operations, including renewing software licenses, acquiring new tools, and training personnel.
In closing, Alabi commended the Inspector General of Police, the CBN Governor, and all implementing partners for their dedication and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the nation and its unwavering pledge to combat cybercrime effectively.
The establishment of the NPF-NCCC marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance cybersecurity and protect its citizens from the growing threats of internet fraud and cyber-enabled crimes.