President Bola Tinubu has pledged to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force by providing additional weapons, training, and personnel to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities.
This commitment which came as a coincidence was made just days before the planned nationwide protests.
Tinubu, represented by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and the Nigeria Police Force Resource Centre.
The President’s pledge aims to improve the number, quality, and readiness of police personnel. He stated that the establishment of the NPF-NCCC aligns with the policy objectives of reforming the Nigeria Police Force to bolster national security.
Tinubu highlighted the increasing threats from cyber criminals, online fraudsters, and cyber terrorists who use the internet to coordinate and execute destabilizing activities. He noted that the rapid advancement of technology, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G have expanded the scope and diversity of cyber threats.
The President emphasized that since 2020, there has been a significant rise in the use of social media to spread inflammatory messages and incite violence. In response, the Federal Government is reviewing national cybercrime strategies to address these threats and promote a secure and prosperous digital economy.
Tinubu reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the security of Nigeria’s cyberspace and improving social security, aiming to address economic and security challenges while bolstering Nigeria’s reputation as a safe destination for foreign investment.
He urged the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, to effectively utilize the facilities at the NPF-NCCC to safeguard Nigeria’s cyberspace and support national development and economic progress.
