Nigerian Police Commissioner to Head INTERPOL’s African Cybercrime Units

The International Police Organization has appointed Nigeria’s police commissioner, Ifeanyi Uche, as chair of the African Chiefs of Cybercrime Units, which encompasses leaders from 54 countries.

Uche, who acts as Police Commissioner and oversees the NPF’s National Cyber ​​Crime Centre, takes on the role of Namibia’s Ratjindua Tjivikua, who completed his term as Cyber ​​Crime chief.

Uche, who spoke at the closing of the African Task Force on Cybercrime meeting on Friday, stressed the urgency of bolstering cybersecurity efforts in Africa due to the growing threat of cybercrime.

He called for greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies and investment in technology and capacity development.

“The high penetration rate of new technologies in Africa increasingly exposes subregional cyberspace as potential targets for cybercriminals, as most African countries still have low levels of commitment to cybersecurity.”

“It is important that we join the operational subgroups created by INTERPOL to strengthen our collective efficiency in the fight against cybercrime in the subregion,” said the CP.

He highlighted the importance of legislative support to enact strong cybersecurity laws and regulations.

Uche pledged to lead collaborative efforts to effectively combat cybercrime in Africa, advocating for indigenous technological solutions tailored to the needs of the continent.

“Cybercrime represents a significant threat to our societies, economies and security.

“It is imperative that we work together to address this growing challenge. As President, I am committed to leading from the front, fostering the much-desired collaboration between our member units to enhance our collective capacity to effectively prevent and investigate cybercrime in Africa.

“I see this as a call to champion the enthronement of a new charter of technological renaissance and a local cybersecurity ethic in Africa and a paradigm shift from absolute dependence on external solutions to African technological initiatives, adaptable to our socio-political ecosystem. ” he said.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Ibrahim, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and international cooperation to safeguard national and regional interests.

Ibrahim said: “The Government of Nigeria is fully committed to the reform of our police force, recognizing that cybersecurity is an integral component of our national security agenda.

“We understand that a secure cyberspace is essential to our immediate and long-term development goals. Therefore, we are dedicated to improving our cybersecurity capabilities, investing in the necessary resources and fostering collaboration both nationally and internationally.

“We are working to improve the provision of the necessary tools, equipment and facilities to strengthen the NPF’s cybersecurity architecture, and we remain committed to regional and international cooperation mechanisms.”