UNODC, Police Strengthen Frontline Response To Rising Cybercrime

By Bukar BOLORI

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the growing threat of cybercrime by training frontline police officers on modern cyber-investigation techniques.

The capacity-building programme, currently taking place in Port Harcourt, is aimed at equipping officers who are the first point of contact for victims of cybercrime with the knowledge and skills required to investigate digital crimes and properly handle electronic evidence.

Speaking at the opening of the Cybercrime Foundation Course for Law Enforcement, the UNODC Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Touré, who was represented by Baranaye Marcus, NPO (Counter cybercrime focal point), said the initiative was designed to reinforce Nigeria’s law-enforcement capacity in tackling increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

According to him, cybercrime has become a major global challenge, with Nigeria, like many other countries, witnessing a steady rise in technology-driven criminal activities.

“This makes your role, your vigilance, your technical skills and your professionalism more important than ever,” Touré told the participating officers.

He explained that the training would deepen officers’ understanding of cybercrime, digital evidence and investigative techniques, while also strengthening referral pathways for victims and promoting a victim-centred approach to cybercrime investigations.

Touré added that confronting cybercrime requires strong cooperation among law-enforcement agencies, across states and regions, as well as partnerships with international organisations.

He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in developing a modern and coordinated law-enforcement system capable of effectively addressing cyber threats and safeguarding citizens in the digital space.

The programme is supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Participants drawn from police commands across the South-South region are being trained on cybercrime fundamentals, relevant legal frameworks, digital evidence identification and seizure, cybercrime scene management, investigation techniques, emerging cybercrime trends and the modus operandi used by cybercriminals.

The officers are also receiving guidance on victim-centred responses to cybercrime cases, ensuring that victims are properly supported during investigations.

Earlier, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Uche Henry, described the training as a critical step in strengthening Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime in an increasingly interconnected world.

Henry said criminals now exploit digital platforms to commit crimes across borders within seconds, making it necessary for law-enforcement agencies to upgrade their skills and technological capabilities.

He noted that the NPF-NCCC, established to operationalise the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, serves as Nigeria’s central hub for technology-driven cybercrime investigations and the country’s first responder to digital crime incidents.

According to him, the centre plays a key role in protecting Nigeria’s digital environment, safeguarding businesses and citizens, and strengthening national security.

He commended UNODC for its sustained support to Nigeria through technical assistance, training programmes and institutional strengthening initiatives aimed at combating cybercrime and other forms of transnational organised crime.

Henry urged the participating officers to approach the course with seriousness and commitment, noting that the knowledge and skills acquired would enhance their ability to respond effectively to the complex and evolving nature of cybercrime.

The training is expected to improve the operational readiness of police officers handling cybercrime complaints and further strengthen Nigeria’s institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute digital crimes.