Nigeria’s President Tinubu Blames Insecurity on Well-Organized Non-State Actors, Calls for Concerted Efforts
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has declared that the country’s ravaging insecurity is being perpetrated by well-organized non-state actors. Speaking at the commissioning of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that only concerted efforts from law enforcement agencies can tackle the menace.
The President called for an end to inter-agency rivalry among the country’s law enforcement agencies, urging them to adopt a coordinated and collaborative approach to address the security challenges. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in the Nigeria Police Force, including the procurement of arms, weapons, and critical equipment, as well as recruitment and continuous training to boost the number, quality, and preparedness of police personnel.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria is currently witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters, and cyber terrorists, who use the Internet to coordinate and carry out their nefarious activities. He highlighted the rapid emergence of technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G technology as contributing factors to the widening scope and diversity of cyber-based threats.
The President also emphasized the need for collaboration between the centre and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure a greater level of scrutiny of online activities. He expressed hope that the centre will complement the ONSA in the protection of critical national infrastructures by enabling a greater level of scrutiny of the online activities of those who seek to cause damage to national interests.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the centre’s achievements in tackling cybercrime, including the arrest and prosecution of suspects and the recovery of stolen funds and assets. He emphasized that cyber security is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders.
The Nigerian government’s efforts to combat cybercrime and insecurity come as the country faces a surge in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters, and cyber terrorists. The government’s commitment to investing in the Nigeria Police Force and promoting collaboration between law enforcement agencies and stakeholders is seen as a crucial step towards building a resilient and secure cyberspace that enables the country to thrive, innovate, and prosper in the digital age.
