CPP, NYCN Ifako-ijaiye Campaign Against Cybercrime
Kehinde Adeleye
A group of organizations named Crime Prevention Partners (CPP), Brighter Future, Tag International, and Cleen Foundation collaborated with Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Area ‘G’ Command, and National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) to host a one-day workshop aimed at tackling cybercrime in society.
The workshop took place on March 26, 2024, at Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area Office and focused on educating youth and stakeholders about the threats of cybercrime and how to safeguard communities.
This significant event shed light on the damaging effects of cybercrime on individuals and the country as a whole, stressing the need to combat this societal issue.
Experts in cyber security and guests at the event highlighted the significant involvement of Nigerians in cybercrime both locally and internationally.
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) disclosed that cybercrime in the country amounts to $500 million annually, encompassing activities such as hacking, identity theft, cyber terrorism, harassment, and internet fraud.
Cybercrime emerged following advancements in computer technology and networks, involving the unlawful use of communication devices to perpetrate criminal acts or scams.
It covers a wide range of illegal activities carried out through digital platforms or networks.
During the workshop on cybercrime, Mr. Jude Ndoh (ESQ), the Coordinator of CPP Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, welcomed attendees and discussed the organization’s efforts to address the root causes of crime in society.
He mentioned various initiatives by CPP to engage young people in productive activities such as skill acquisition, sports, drama, and creative arts to steer them away from negative influences, recognizing that ‘an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.’
The EFCC representative leading The Workshop discussed the various cybercrimes being committed by Nigerian citizens, focusing on the youth and activities such as impersonation, identity theft, hacking, phishing, scams, and internet fraud.
He advised the participants to be vigilant and cautious in order to avoid falling victim to these criminal activities.
* avoid using public or unsecured Internet facility,
* not accepting codes from identified and unidentified individuals
* not exchanging sensitive personal information with strangers online
* minimise the upload of personal effects on social platforms
* avoid long conversations with strangers with benefits or otherwise
* protect their device and social media platforms with strong security parameters
He cautioned that cybercrime knows no borders and, with the absence of a robust database in Nigeria, cybercriminals might have time to operate before being caught.
He stressed the negative impacts of cybercrime on the offender, their family, and society, urging young people to steer clear of such activities and not assist anyone involved in the crime.
Similarly, other speakers from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and a cybersecurity expert highlighted the importance of youth rejecting cybercrime and reporting offenders.
They underscored the necessity of practicing discipline, morality, and decency to create a society where cybercrime is minimized. They also emphasized the crucial role of parents in setting good examples and instilling positive values in their children.
During his message, the Special Adviser on Security and Special Duties at Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Hon. Ibrahim Aronjure, called on parents to be diligent in raising their children with discipline and positive values.
To conclude, the attendees conveyed their gratitude to the event organizers for the enlightening session, which educated them on:
* how to identify a cybercrime or a cybercriminal,
* how to understand their tricks and gimmicks, and go ahead of them
* how to protect their social media handles and secure their devices using voice/face/thump identification instead of password, which can be retrieved by fraudster technologically and lots more
The event saw a significant turnout, with distinguished individuals from both private and government institutions, security agencies, youth organizations, religious bodies, community members, market men & women, students, and various other attendees in attendance.
