The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially launched a month-long nationwide awareness campaign titled “Real Odogwu no dey hide face.”
The initiative, spearheaded by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), aims to promote cyber-hygiene and equip citizens with the tools to defend themselves against an increasingly sophisticated landscape of digital threats.
During the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, officials noted that the campaign serves as a critical intervention against a surge in Identity Theft, Romance Scams, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and Phishing. CP Ifeanyi Uche Henry, PhD, Director of the NPF-NCCC, emphasised that the borderless nature of the internet requires a shift in public mindset.
“Many cyber attacks succeed due to a lack of awareness,” CP Henry stated. “This initiative is a direct response to rising incidents targeting our citizens. We must adopt responsible online practices to safeguard our digital identities.”
The campaign isn’t just about education; it also carries a stern warning for cybercriminals. CP Henry revealed that the NPF’s specialised “Cyberhawk” teams are actively monitoring digital footprints to ensure that there is no hiding place for those exploiting the digital space.
“The Centre’s Cyberhawk teams continue to deploy advanced digital tracking mechanisms,” he warned. “We will identify and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law. To those involved in cybercrime: desist now.”
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, lauded the technical synergy between Nigeria and its global partners, specifically citing the support of the UK National Crime Agency and the City of London Police.
“This collaboration emphasises the importance of international partnerships in tackling cybercrime and securing digital spaces,” IGP Disu remarked, highlighting that modern policing requires a united global front.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Benjamin Hundeyin urged Nigerians to guard their digital identities with the same intensity they use for physical valuables. The NPF advises citizens to strictly protect financial information such as ATM PINs, OTPs, and BVNs while adopting strong passwords and multi-factor authentication across all platforms.
Furthermore, the public is encouraged to avoid clicking on suspicious links or messages designed to create a false sense of urgency. To ensure maximum safety, the police recommend protecting sensitive personal or corporate information by using only secure, verified communication channels.
The “Real Odogwu no dey hide face” campaign will continue throughout the month, featuring various engagement activities to ensure digital safety awareness reaches every corner of the country.
