The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has partnered with the UK National Crime Agency to launch a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at discouraging Nigerian youths from engaging in cybercrime.
The initiative, titled “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Him Face,” was unveiled in Abuja and is designed to educate young Nigerians on the dangers and legal consequences associated with internet fraud and other cyber offences.
Speaking during the launch, the Director of the cybercrime centre, Ifeanyi Uche, said the campaign was developed to counter the growing perception among some youths that online fraud is glamorous or profitable. According to him, cyber threats are rapidly evolving and continue to affect individuals, businesses and government institutions.
Uche noted that crimes such as identity theft, romance scams, phishing, business email compromise, sextortion and online harassment are on the rise, largely due to limited public knowledge about cybersecurity practices. He emphasised that public education remains one of the most effective ways to protect citizens from falling victim to online fraud.
Also speaking, the National Commissioner of the National Data Protection Commission, Vincent Olatunji, highlighted the global financial impact of cyber fraud, revealing that worldwide losses from fraud reached about $25.85 billion in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, commended the initiative and stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s digital security ecosystem.
Representatives of the UK National Crime Agency also pledged continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat cybercrime, urging young people to channel their digital skills into legitimate ventures rather than online fraud.
Stakeholders at the event noted that expanding the campaign to grassroots communities would further help in educating youths and promoting responsible internet use across the country.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The National Concord Blog Newsletter for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now below!
