Cybersecurity experts have highlighted poor digital forensic capabilities as the bane of Nigeria's fight against cybercrime.
This was the consensus at the launch of the book “Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Preparedness and Financial Crime Investigation” on Monday in Abuja.
The book, co-authored by Tombari Sibe and Christian Kaunert, provides an evidence-based report on Nigeria's forensic resources within its financial crime institutions.
Speaking at the event, Sibe expressed concern over the rising incidents of cybercrime, adding that the country's anti-corruption agencies are not well equipped to deal with the growing threat.
“Nigeria has witnessed an increase in cybercrime incidents, and this has been quite worrying,” Sibe said.
He also noted that rising unemployment and weakening family value system are pushing many Nigerian youths towards cybercrime and fraud as a means of survival.
Sibe emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive economic reforms and targeted interventions to address the root causes of this growing social problem.
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He explained that the book explores the lack of digital forensic resources within key anti-corruption institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Police Force, noting that this has severely hampered their ability to investigate and prosecute cases. of cybercrimes. effectively.
“While some studies have highlighted the lack of forensic resources in financial crime institutions in Nigeria, no study has thoroughly examined the details of this shortage and its impact on financial crimes,” Sibe said.
“This book aims to close the gaps in understanding the complexities of financial crime and cyber threats while offering solutions. “The launch of this book marks an important step in addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement and improving the country’s digital forensic capabilities,” he added.
The event also featured a political dialogue session with representatives of the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) and the African ICT Alliance. Most speakers echoed Mr Sibe's concerns about lack of capacity.
Geoffrey Uzoma, representing the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, commended the authors for focusing on digital forensic preparedness. He noted that the book “provides a roadmap, guidelines and direction for Nigerian agencies to improve digital forensic practices.”
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Uzoma said the book could help solve many problems that individual agencies and organizations would otherwise invest significant resources into, speeding up investigations and leading to more successful prosecutions.
He added that the book not only highlights the shortcomings in Nigeria's digital forensic preparedness, but also provides a detailed analysis of cybercrime trends, prosecution dynamics and conviction records.
“(The book) aims to improve cybersecurity activities, digital forensics and cyber penetration in Nigeria, as well as addressing some key objectives of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy,” Uzoma said.
Cyber Skill Bridge Fellow Blessing Bivan emphasized Nigeria's transition to an information and communications technology (ICT)-based system and the associated risks. He commented that the new book provides a roadmap to develop capabilities in digital evidence management and improve investigative efforts.
Bivan described the inauguration as an important step in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria.