The Nigeria Police Force has launched a nationwide online awareness campaign aimed at combating cybercrime and promoting safer digital practices among Nigerians.
The campaign, titled “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Face,” is being driven by the Nigeria Police Force through the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) as part of efforts to strengthen online safety and promote cyber hygiene across the country.
In a press statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the month-long initiative is designed to educate Nigerians about the increasing threats in the digital space and encourage responsible online behaviour.
According to him, the awareness drive seeks to sensitize citizens on the dangers of cybercrime while promoting proactive measures that will help individuals and organisations secure their digital identities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Director of the NPF-NCCC, CP Ifeanyi Uche Henry, PhD, described cyber threats as borderless and constantly evolving, stressing that the campaign was launched in response to the rising cases of online crimes affecting Nigerians.
He listed common cyber offences targeting citizens to include identity theft, romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), sextortion and phishing.
Henry noted that many cyber attacks succeed because of low awareness among internet users, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to adopt safer online practices and remain vigilant while using digital platforms.
The Director also issued a strong warning to individuals involved in cybercrime to desist, noting that the Centre’s Cyberhawk teams are deploying advanced digital tracking technologies to identify, trace and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, commended the support provided by the UK National Crime Agency and the City of London Police, stating that international collaboration remains critical in addressing the global challenge of cybercrime.
The Nigeria Police Force therefore urged members of the public to remain cyber-aware by verifying online information, protecting their devices, and safeguarding their financial and personal data.
Citizens were also advised to protect sensitive information such as ATM PINs, One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), adopt strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links or messages designed to create urgency, and use secure communication channels when sharing personal or corporate information.
The Police noted that improving cyber awareness among Nigerians remains a critical step toward reducing online fraud and strengthening national digital security.
