By Okoye Chioma
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has launched a nationwide cybercrime awareness campaign aimed at discouraging Nigerian youths from engaging in online fraud and promoting responsible digital behaviour.

The campaign, titled “Online Safety and Cyber-Hygiene” and tagged “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Him Face,” is a joint initiative between the Nigeria Police Force and the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, the Director of the NPF-NCCC, Ifeanyi Uche Henry, warned that cyber threats are rapidly evolving and increasingly affecting individuals, businesses, and government institutions across Nigeria.

He noted that crimes such as identity theft, romance scams, phishing, business email compromise, sextortion, and online harassment continue to rise, largely due to limited awareness of basic cybersecurity practices.

According to him, public education remains one of the most effective ways to protect citizens from online fraud.

Explaining the theme of the campaign, Henry said the message is intended to promote responsible digital conduct while discouraging young people from participating in cybercrime.

“The message is simple: the real Odogwu does not hide behind a screen to defraud others,” he said, urging Nigerians to protect their personal information by using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links, and verifying information before sharing it online.

He also advised traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs—groups often targeted by fraudsters—to avoid disclosing sensitive banking information or relying on unverified payment alerts.

Henry cautioned that individuals who engage in cybercrime risk facing serious legal consequences, noting that digital footprints make it increasingly difficult for offenders to evade detection.

Also speaking at the event, the National Commissioner of the National Data Protection Commission, Vincent Olatunji, highlighted the economic impact of cyber-related fraud.

He disclosed that global fraud losses reached about $25.85 billion in 2025, including $3.3 billion from bank fraud, about $1 billion linked to Ponzi schemes, roughly $300 billion attributed to investment fraud, and $14.3 billion from card fraud.

“These figures show why stronger digital awareness and protection of personal data are essential,” Olatunji said, adding that cybersecurity has become critical to national and economic security.

Representing the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Mrs. Dora Emmanuel Iroh commended the cybercrime centre for its proactive approach to public education and partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

She urged Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting their personal data and digital identities.

In his remarks, the National President of the National Youth Organisation, Duke Alamboye, called for the expansion of the campaign to rural communities.

“This campaign should be taken to the grassroots. Cybercrime is no longer confined to urban areas; awareness must reach young people everywhere,” he said.

International partners also expressed support for the initiative. Speaking on behalf of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Matt Mountain said the campaign sends a strong message to Nigerian youths that genuine success lies in legitimate enterprise rather than online fraud.

The initiative, he added, reflects ongoing cooperation between the United Kingdom and Nigeria in tackling cybercrime and promoting safer digital practices.

The campaign forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force and its partners to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and encourage Nigerians—especially young people—to channel their digital skills into lawful and productive activities.