NSCDC Lagos Command Hosts 6th Edition of the PR Clinic to Strengthen Fight Against Cybercrime causing Economic Sabotage
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Command, has convened its sixth edition of the Public Relations (PR) Clinic, bringing together security experts, academics, and stakeholders to intensify efforts against rising cybercrime across the country.
The event, held at the Federal Secretariat, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island, examined the root causes of cybercrime and practical strategies to curb the threat in line with the Corps’ mandate to protect national assets and ensure public safety.
Speaking at the forum, Professor Adedeji Oyenuga, a renowned Professor of Sociology, Criminology, and Cybersecurity at Lagos State University (LASU), linked the surge in cybercrime to economic instability and greed. He stressed that addressing poverty, unemployment, hunger, banditry, and kidnapping would drastically reduce criminal tendencies, noting that political will remains essential.
Professor Oyenuga warned Nigerians against sharing personal information online, installing unverified applications, or clicking suspicious links sent by impersonators. He emphasized that advancements in technology have made identity theft easier, leaving many victims vulnerable to account fraud.
Also speaking, Dr. Waziri Adisa, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos, maintained that creating sustainable employment for young people would significantly reduce criminal activities. He urged the government to increase funding for education and youth development.
Stakeholders and panelists at the clinic collectively recommended intensified cybersecurity education, continuous retraining of security operatives, and the implementation of more people-focused government policies. They noted that safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space is a shared responsibility.
Earlier in his welcome address, the NSCDC Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Keshinro Adedotun—represented by Deputy Commandant Andrew Afuye—explained that the PR Clinic was designed to brainstorm, learn, unlearn, and relearn modern technological approaches to combating cybercrime, particularly at the grassroots. He commended the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Oluwaseun Abolurin, for championing the initiative to boost officers' cybersecurity knowledge.
Themed “Cybersecurity: A Panacea to Ending Economic Sabotage in Nigeria – The Role of NSCDC,” the event had in attendance representatives from the DSS, ICPC, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Correctional Service, Computer Village stakeholders, local government officials, NIPR members, the media, and other relevant bodies.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and enhancing Nigeria’s resilience against cyber threats.