The International Police Organization, INTERPOL, has named Nigerian Police Commissioner CP Ifeanyi Henry Uche as the Chairman of the African Heads of Cybercrime Units, a coalition comprising leaders from 54 countries
CP Uche, currently overseeing the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), succeeds Ratjindua Tjivikua from Namibia.
In a recent statement at the Africa Working Group Meeting on Cybercrime, CP Uche emphasized the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity across the continent. He stressed the vulnerability of African nations to cyber threats due to the rapid adoption of new technologies coupled with insufficient commitment to cybersecurity.
To address these challenges, CP Uche advocated for:
*Establishment of African Incident Response Mechanism and Cybersecurity Frameworks on a Police-to-Police basis to facilitate resource sharing.
*Creation of Specialized Cybercrime Units within law enforcement agencies.
*Investment in technology, infrastructure, and capacity building.
*Legislative support for robust cybersecurity laws and regulations.
*Adoption of indigenous technological solutions tailored to Africa’s socio-cultural context.
In response, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity capabilities as part of its national security agenda.
She pledged government support in strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, providing necessary resources, and fostering collaboration domestically and internationally.
The appointment of CP Uche reflects a pivotal step in addressing the escalating threat of cybercrime in Africa and underscores the region’s collective effort to safeguard digital ecosystems and promote sustainable development.
