United Kingdom has expressed concern over the grave impact of cybercrime on Nigeria, even as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) confirmed that the most populous black nation loses about $500 million yearly to the menace.
The loss includes hacking, identity theft, cyber terrorism, harassment and internet fraud. Consequently, the British government has put in place measures to reverse the trend, by setting up the THRIVE ONLINE campaign to promote safety and awareness, as well as disseminate valuable information and best practices to mitigate cyber risks.
With a special focus on Lagos, Edo and Bayelsa states, the exercise aims to safeguard individuals, families and communities against societal ills.
One of the programme’s communications managers, Ahmad Jumare, underscored the dire threat posed by cybercrime to Nigeria. He listed the far-reaching consequences including financial losses and compromised online safety.
Highlighting data from Kaspersky, a leading cyber security firm, Jumare reiterated Nigeria’s unfortunate distinction as the African country with the highest number of cyber threats over the past years.
He disclosed that the CANCEL CULTS campaign to address pervasive cultism and organised crimes, particularly in Edo and Bayelsa states, had also been launched.
Jumare said through the utilisation of various platforms such as Facebook, radio talk shows, awareness events, and school engagements, the campaign delivers targeted messages geared at preventing youths from succumbing to cult-related violence and criminal activities.
He stated that both campaigns are integral parts of the overarching Brighter Futures programme, which has already made significant strides in transforming the lives of vulnerable youths across various communities.
Bayelsa State coordinator for the programme, Philip Slaboh, commended the positive impact of the Bright Futures project, noting the tangible changes in the behaviour and outlook of perverse youths.
He underlined the importance of intervention programmes in steering young people towards constructive pathways and away from the perils of criminality.
Similarly, the Head of Edo State Security Network (ESSN) in Idogbo Secretariat, Ikpoba- Okha Local Council, Williams Ehisogie, said: “The Brighter Futures project introduced valuable skills such as interacting with organisations mandated with crime prevention. For instance, when we rescued a human trafficking victim in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, I contacted the project team, who connected me with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for prosecution – a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration.”
