Addressing Cybercrime in Nigeria: The Launch of a Pioneering Book and Government Initiatives
On October 30, 2023, a significant event unfolded in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against cybercrime. The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, announced plans to incorporate the expertise of Dr. Tombari Sibe and Prof. Christian Kaunert into the Federal Government’s Committee on National Policing Policy. This initiative comes on the heels of the launch of their groundbreaking book, Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria, which aims to address the pressing challenges posed by cybercrime in the country.
The Authors: Experts in Cybersecurity and Forensics
Dr. Tombari Sibe, a lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at Rivers State University, brings over two decades of experience in Information Technology Consulting, specializing in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics. His co-author, Prof. Christian Kaunert, is a Professor of International Security at Dublin City University in Ireland. Together, they have crafted a comprehensive resource that not only highlights the current state of cybercrime in Nigeria but also proposes actionable solutions.
Government Commitment to Cybersecurity
During the book launch, the Minister emphasized the necessity of integrating advanced technologies into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to combat cybercrime effectively. He stated, “We will extend an invitation to Dr. Sibe and Professor Kaunert to join the committee, particularly in the section focusing on cybersecurity and technology adoption within the NPF.” This commitment underscores the government’s recognition of the need for expert input in developing a robust national policing policy.
The Minister’s representative, Mike Imafidor, articulated the vision for a national policing policy that ensures seamless interoperability of technological systems within law enforcement. This approach aims to avoid isolated systems that hinder effective communication and collaboration among various agencies.
The Book’s Insights and Contributions
Dr. Sibe highlighted that their book addresses Nigeria’s unique challenges in cybersecurity and presents a comprehensive plan for forensic readiness. He pointed out that many discussions around forensic capabilities often focus solely on budgetary constraints, neglecting the long-term strategies necessary for building operational readiness.
One of the book’s key outcomes is the establishment of a roadmap for enhancing forensic readiness in Nigeria. By identifying knowledge gaps and training needs, the authors aim to equip law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to tackle cybercrime effectively. They engaged with top cybercrime investigators to pinpoint specific areas requiring attention, ensuring that their findings are grounded in real-world experiences.
The Growing Threat of Cybercrime
The authors express concern over the alarming rise in cybercrime incidents in Nigeria, which not only results in significant financial losses for victims but also tarnishes the nation’s reputation on the global stage. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, the increasing caseloads of cybercrime cases highlight a systemic issue that requires urgent attention.
Dr. Sibe noted, “Most of what we know about Nigeria’s cybercrime landscape is what is reported on the pages of the newspapers, but newspapers only tell a tiny bit of the story.” This observation underscores the need for coordinated research to understand the complexities of cybercrime in Nigeria fully.
Investigating Digital Forensic Readiness
A significant focus of the book is the investigation of digital forensic resources within Nigeria’s leading financial crime institutions, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force. The authors argue that a thorough understanding of the current state of digital forensic capabilities is essential for developing effective strategies to combat financial crimes.
Dr. Sibe emphasized the importance of establishing a digital forensic readiness model, stating, “Good knowledge of the scale and scope of the lack of digital forensic resources is an essential first step.” By providing foundational knowledge, the book aims to guide policymakers and law enforcement agencies in enhancing their capabilities.
A Journey of Research and Collaboration
The journey to publishing this book began in 2019 when Dr. Sibe was pursuing his PhD at the University of the Cumberlands, USA. His research continued at the International Centre of Policing and Security, University of South Wales, where the decision was made to transform it into a book. The authors expressed gratitude to the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, and various institutions that supported their research efforts.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The launch of Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime. With the government’s commitment to integrating expert knowledge into law enforcement strategies, there is hope for a more coordinated and effective response to the growing threat of cybercrime. As Dr. Sibe and Prof. Kaunert continue to advocate for enhanced cybersecurity measures, their work serves as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and the public alike, illuminating the path forward in the battle against cybercrime in Nigeria.