The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have launched a month-long nationwide online awareness campaign to tackle cybercrime and strengthen digital security among Nigerians.
The campaign is designed to educate citizens about emerging cyber threats while promoting responsible online behaviour and proactive vigilance in the country’s growing digital ecosystem, according to the two government agencies.
They said the initiative comes amid rising incidents of cyber-enabled crimes such as identity theft, romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), sextortion and phishing targeting individuals and organisations across Nigeria.
They said the initiative comes amid rising incidents of cyber-enabled crimes such as identity theft, romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), sextortion and phishing targeting individuals and organisations across Nigeria.
Agencies: Cybercrime campaign targets rising cyber threats
The campaign, spearheaded by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), is tagged “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Face.”
Officials say the campaign seeks to encourage Nigerians to remain vigilant online and report suspicious digital activities as cybercriminals continue to exploit weak digital security practices.
Speaking on the initiative, Ifeanyi Uche Henry, Commissioner of Police and Director of the NPF-NCCC, said many cyber attacks succeed largely due to low public awareness about digital threats.
According to him, strengthening awareness is critical to protecting citizens’ digital identities and preventing cybercrime.
“The Centre’s Cyberhawk teams continue to deploy advanced digital tracking mechanisms to identify and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law,” Henry said.
He warned individuals involved in cybercrime to desist from such activities, stressing that law enforcement agencies are increasing their capacity to track and prosecute digital offenders.
Meanwhile, Olatunji Disu, the Nigeria Police Force Inspector-General of Police, commended the collaboration between Nigerian authorities and international law enforcement bodies working to combat cybercrime.
The police chief highlighted partnerships with the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom and the City of London Police, noting that international cooperation plays an important role in addressing transnational cyber threats.
According to him, cybercrime increasingly operates across borders, making global partnerships essential for effective investigation and enforcement.
As part of the awareness campaign, the police shared several guidelines to help Nigerians improve their personal cybersecurity practices and avoid falling victim to cybercriminals.
Safety tips for Nigerians online
As part of the awareness campaign, the police shared several guidelines to help Nigerians improve their personal cybersecurity practices and avoid falling victim to cybercriminals.
These include:
- Remain cyber-aware and always verify information before acting on it.
- Protect devices and digital identities with the same vigilance used in safeguarding physical valuables.
- Safeguard sensitive financial information such as ATM PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs).
- Adopt strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for online accounts.
- Avoid suspicious links or messages designed to create a sense of urgency.
- Protect sensitive personal or corporate information by using secure communication channels.
Authorities say adopting these measures can significantly reduce the risk of cyber fraud and identity theft.
Cybercrime: Data protection compliance highlighted
The NDPC also used the campaign to emphasise the importance of compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act in strengthening national cybersecurity and data governance frameworks.
According to the Commission, the protection of personal data has become a key component of digital security in an increasingly connected society.
The NDPC noted that adherence to data protection regulations can improve institutional accountability while building public trust in digital platforms and services.
The Commission further described data as a strategic national asset, stressing that effective protection of personal and corporate information is now closely linked to national security and economic resilience.
The joint awareness campaign reflects growing efforts by Nigerian authorities to strengthen digital security and promote responsible behaviour online as internet adoption continues to expand across the country.
The officials say improving digital literacy and encouraging stronger cybersecurity practices among citizens will play a key role in reducing cybercrime risks while supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions.
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