Transnational crime has become a big problem for both the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria. Going forward, collaborations are on the table to curtail the unlawful activities, KEHINDE OSASONA reports.
The crux
It is no longer news that most countries today have become cybercrimes hubs where illicit and anonymous activities reign supreme thereby causing endless havoc and damaging the nation’s reputation.
Cybercrimes among other dangers pose a significant global threat due to their potential for massive financial damage, disruption of critical infrastructure, and the erosion of public trust.
These crimes, which range from phishing to breaches and identity theft, can impact individuals, businesses, and governments’ alike.It also includes criminal activity that involves computers, networks, and digital devices.
Lately, offences such as online fraud, identity theft, digital extortion and many more have blighted many jurisdictions, hence the need to employ sophisticated cooperation to curb it.
Findings have revealed that as global reliance on the internet and the World Wide Web continues, individuals and many people in particular would continually fall victims of cybercrimes that attack their finances, data and many more.
While compiling the first ever ‘World Cybercrime Index’, an international team of researchers from University of Oxford identified global key cybercrime hotspots via ranking and those who pose the greatest cyber criminal threats. Russia tops the list, followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria, and Romania, while the UK is listed number eight on the list.
Considerably, the Nigerian government and the United Kingdom (UK) have forged a partnership that will aid the fight against the growing threat of profit-driven cybercrime.
Forging partnerships
At the signing ceremony of a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK to combat the menace in the two countries, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, restated need for a coordinated and robust approach to fighting cybercrimes as contemplated in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
The programme also featured the launch of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC) by the AGF.
Members of the JCTC are drawn from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCert) from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The initiative, if sailed through, is expected to lead to a transformative stride and an end to cybercrimes in both countries and the globe at large.
Fagbemi after signing the MoU described cybercrime as complex and constantly evolving, noting that despite national legal framework in place for combatting it, laws alone, according to him, will not win the battles.
The AGF also identified relevant actors like the investigators and prosecutors as key, adding that there must be seamless cooperation between them to achieve an effective result.
Fagbemi said: “Today is not merely the kick-start of a project, it is the birth of a vision, a vision built on a collaborative approach to combating the menace of cybercrime.
“A vision that finds its foundation in the principles of synergy, coordination, and mutual respect among institutions committed to justice,” he said.
“It is the people who interpret, enforce, and apply these laws that must be equipped, united, and empowered to act—swiftly, cohesively, and effectively.”
“International cooperation as a tool can only be effective if at national levels, there is collaboration which is constantly being strengthened and cybercriminals may exploit lack of coordination.”
Also taking a stand on behalf of the British Government, its Minister of State Home Affairs, Mr David Hanson assured that the UK government was pleased to support and help Nigeria combat cybercrime.
His team according to him would enhance the government’s approach to crime and also help to improve the growth of the economies of both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Hanson, who noted that the menace has impeded development in Nigeria, added: “cybercrime was a critical area that inhibited economic growth and development.
“The agreement between the two countries will also develop the economies of Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
“The United Kingdom will continue to support Nigeria in the fight against cybercrimes and bring cybercriminals to justice,”
UN, others’ stance
At the event, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) country director, Mr. Cheikh Toure, said the initiative marks a significant stride in the collective efforts to combat cybercrime, which transcends borders and impacts every sector of society.
He described the commitment demonstrated by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and all relevant agencies in fostering collaboration among investigators, prosecutors, and the judiciary as exemplifying, adding that it was the type of forward-thinking leadership required to address the global challenge.
While assuring of UNODC’s support in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime, he said,
“By working together and pooling resources and expertise, we can strengthen inter-agency coordination and build the capacity required to effectively investigate and prosecute cybercrime cases, ensuring justice and accountability in the face of evolving threats.”
The judiciary sector at the ceremony lauded the collaborative efforts, noting that it would undoubtedly enhance both countries’ capacity.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho urged proper investigation and prosecution of offenders, assuring that it would ultimately deter the sophisticated criminal activities.
He was optimistic that the MoU would embody the spirit of collaboration, foster a framework for seamless cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint operations among the two country’s respective entities.
Tsoho, who was represented by Justice Inyang Ekwo appealed to both teams not to underestimate the task ahead as cybercriminals were often highly organized, technologically adept, and operated with a global reach.
”Today marks not just an agreement on paper, but a tangible demonstration of our collective resolve to confront the escalating threat of cybercrimes.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, where digital space permeates every facet of our lives, the insidious reach of cybercriminals poses a grave danger to our economies, our institutions, and the very fabric of our society.
” The challenges presented by cybercrime are multifaceted and transcend national borders. No single nation or agency can effectively combat this menace in isolation.
”It demands a unified front, a pooling of resources, and a harmonization of our expertise,” the CJ said.
As rightly observed by experts at the event, it is believed that increasing sophistication and global reach of cybercriminals, coupled with the ever-evolving technological landscape, has made the threats particularly challenging to address.
However, as projected by the AGF, both countries could win the war if they equip, unite, and empower the people who interpret, enforce, and apply the laws to act swiftly, cohesively, and effectively.
Not only that, trans-borders collaboration and exchange of intelligence according to another school of thought would also go a long way in combating cybercrimes globally.