By Ayo Kehinde
Nigerians have been warned to exercise extreme caution online, as cybercriminals continue to exploit unsuspecting internet users with “free gifts” and other fraudulent schemes, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), Uche Ifeanyi, said on Friday.
Ifeanyi, who spoke at the launch of an online cybercrime awareness campaign themed “Odogwu No Dey Hide Him Face”, explained that most cyber-attacks occur because victims act out of ignorance. The initiative aims to educate and empower communities about online safety and proper digital hygiene.
“Studies reveal that the majority of cyber attacks are initiated or enabled by victims due to a lack of knowledge. Personal information is invaluable and must be protected at all times. Just as we maintain physical health, we must also maintain a healthy digital lifestyle”, he said.
The Commissioner urged internet users to avoid sharing confidential information with unauthorised persons, use strong and unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and apply security safeguards on all digital devices. He also stressed the importance of keeping personal information private, avoiding suspicious links, regularly updating software, and employing antivirus programs and firewalls.
“Always verify information before sharing it to avoid spreading fake news. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is fraud”, Ifeanyi added.
He emphasised that cybercriminals could exploit anyone, regardless of age, occupation, or social class.
Mr Vincent Olatunji, the Director-General of the National Data Protection Commission, lauded NPF-NCCC for the campaign, describing its theme as commendable. He highlighted the need to educate Nigerians on legitimate wealth creation and safe internet practices.
Olatunji also noted that the fight against cybercrime requires a collective effort, warning that risks are increasing daily as more Nigerians come online. The campaign aims to reach communities nationwide, equipping citizens with practical knowledge to safeguard themselves in the digital world.
