The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for proactive, intelligence-led policing and stronger institutional collaboration to combat emerging cyber threats and safeguard Nigeria’s cyberspace.
Disu made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign Week, organised by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja on October 15, 2026, with the theme, “Towards a Resilient Cyberspace: Think Before You Click.”
He urged Nigerians to protect their passwords and verification codes, enable multi-factor authentication and verify financial instructions before acting on them.
The IGP also called on financial institutions, technology companies and telecommunications operators to strengthen their internal controls to prevent insider threats and unauthorised access to sensitive information.
In his welcome address, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Director of the NPF-NCCC, AIG Akaninyene Ezima, highlighted how cybercriminals exploit human vulnerabilities and emerging technologies through deepfakes, impersonation and automated fraud.
Ezima advocated responsible use of technology, encouraged youths to explore legitimate digital opportunities and urged victims of cybercrime to report incidents promptly.
The opening day featured a cybersecurity awareness lecture, seminar and panel discussion, while subsequent activities included sensitisation lectures aimed at educating students on online safety and responsible digital behaviour.
The week-long campaign ended on October 17 with an awareness walkathon.
Speaking through his representative, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenneth Onwemelie, the IGP reiterated the importance of public education in preventing cybercrime.
He cautioned Nigerians against WhatsApp account takeover scams, fraudulent investment schemes, romance scams and online blackmail, urging them to protect their digital identities and verify information before sharing it.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening investigations, digital forensic capabilities, strategic partnerships and public awareness towards a safer Nigerian cyberspace. Cybersecurity remains a shared responsibility,” he said.