*Recovers over N36bn from cybercriminals
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has declared that the Nigeria Police Force has undertaken numerous initiatives to enhance its effectiveness in managing internal security challenges.
IGP Egbetokun said this on Monday, while speaking at the first distinguished personality lecture of the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies University of Ibadan.
According to the IGP, among the initiatives is the Nigeria Police Cyber Crime Center through which it has recovered over N36billion from cybercriminals following the continued clampdown on cybercriminals by the center.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police Cyber Crime Center has also “dismantled a major online fraud syndicate, arresting 15 suspects and recovering millions of naira in stolen funds.
” In contemporary times, the Nigeria Police Force has undertaken numerous initiatives to enhance its effectiveness in managing internal security challenges”, he said.
IGP Egbetolun added, ‘These efforts include the creation of specialised units, improvements in training and equipment, and community engagement programs aimed at addressing various forms of crime and insecurity.
” The Nigeria Police Cyber Crime Center has continued to clamp down on cybercriminals with the recovery of over 36billion naira” and “dismantled a major online fraud syndicate, arresting 15 suspects and recovering millions of naira in stolen funds”, he said.
He maintained further that, ” he is investing in security technology, particularly drone technologies, which can improve the fight against terrorism and banditry”adding, ” a significant factor contributing to the exacerbation of the crises facing Nigeria is the pervasive culture of corruption and impunity within Nigeria’s governance structures.
“Political interference in Police operations can compromise the impartiality and effectiveness of law enforcement during crises. It is essential to ensure the independence of the police force from political influence to maintain public trust and confidence”.
While calling for increased funding of the police as the lead agency in internal operation to address equipment needs, improve infrastructure, and enhance training programs, IGP Egbetokun said based on the approval of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Police force will soon start recruitment of 30,000 Police officers after ending the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 personnel into the force.
In their remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, the acting Director of the TETFUND Center of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies, Dr Benjamin Aluko and a lead scholar, Prof Isaac Olawale Albert in their remarks emphasized the importance of improving internal security and managing crises in country.
