In the face of a relentless surge in cybercrime, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is wielding a new weapon: a revamped cybercrime reporting portal launched in November 2020 and upgraded in 2024. But can this digital gateway effectively counter the ever-evolving tactics of online criminals?
The Global Threat of Cybercrime
As Alec Ross observes in his book, “The Industries of the Future,” the internet’s growth extends beyond new users to encompass entirely new devices, “well behind standard computers, tablets, and smartphones.” A staggering statistic from Forbes.com reveals that in 2023 alone, over 343 million people, including hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, fell victim to cyberattacks – a 72% increase that shatters previous records. As the world migrates to the digital landscape, concerns about safety and security continue to mount. Experts point to the anonymity inherent in most online interactions as fertile ground for criminal activity. In Nigeria, these cybercriminals – often known as “Yahoo Boys” – have gained notoriety for their online scams and exploits.
These criminals engage in a variety of illegal activities, including data or identity theft (through hacking and phishing), online scams (like auction fraud or email compromise), malware distribution, cyberattacks and extortion, and money laundering (often through credit card fraud). Their clandestine nature makes them difficult to track or survey. Dr. Jonathan Lusthaus, a researcher who investigated major global cybercrime hotspots, aptly describes them as “actively hiding.”
The Upgraded Portal
Building on its commitment to combat cybercrime and enhance digital security, the NPF unveiled a significant upgrade to its cybercrime reporting platform in 2024. This new iteration boasts a more robust and secure domain. Researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of New South Wales Department of Sociology recently ranked Nigeria among the top 10 global cybercrime hotspots in 2024.
The Global Cybercrime Report highlights the international nature of cybercrime, noting that while its manifestations vary by country, certain tactics like phishing and data breaches remain prevalent. Another report from 2020 lists Nigeria as the 16th most affected country globally. The report also sheds light on a disturbing new trend: hackers targeting Nigerian employees to act as “insider threats” within their organizations.
‘Hushpuppi, Hush money’
The 2020 arrest of Ramon Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Dubai marked a significant victory. Hushpuppi, a flamboyant Nigerian internet celebrity, was exposed for his elaborate schemes to steal money from unsuspecting victims. His reliance on “crude but effective” tactics like swindling, conning, and defrauding individuals and organizations sent a shockwave through the global cybercriminal underworld. Operation Fox Hunt 2, which culminated in Hushpuppi’s arrest, boosted the morale of law enforcement agencies like the NPF and other security outfits working tirelessly to ensure online safety.
The Road Ahead
While experts acknowledge the NPF’s efforts in tackling cybercrime, the need for continuous improvement has been reiterated.
The NPF recognizes this and is working on strengthening the portal’s security infrastructure. Public awareness campaigns through social media and collaborations with community organizations are also planned to increase utilization of the reporting platform.
According to a Security Expert, Ayinde Kolawole, the fight against cybercrime is a continuous struggle, not a one-time victory.
He said “ The upgraded cybercrime portal represents a significant step forward, but its long-term effectiveness hinges on multiple factors like robust police action, building user trust through transparency and security improvements, and ongoing public awareness efforts.“
