• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched a nationwide online awareness campaign aimed at educating citizens on digital safety and curbing the growing wave of cybercrime across the country. The initiative, tagged "Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Face," is being spearheaded by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and will run for one month as part of efforts to strengthen online security awareness and encourage responsible internet usage among Nigerians. The campaign was formally flagged off in Abuja, where police authorities warned that cyber threats were becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, making it necessary for citizens to adopt stronger digital safety practices. Read also: Police boost anti-terror fight with new CTU bases across Nigeria Ifeanyi Uche Henry, Director of the NPF-NCCC, Commissioner of Police, said the awareness drive was designed to address the growing incidence of cyber-related offences targeting individuals and businesses. He explained that the internet had created enormous opportunities but had also opened the door to a range of criminal activities that exploit unsuspecting users. According to him, crimes such as identity theft, romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), sextortion and phishing have become increasingly common, with many victims falling prey due to lack of awareness about online security. Henry noted that the evolving and borderless nature of cybercrime requires constant vigilance from internet users, stressing that most attacks succeed because victims unknowingly disclose sensitive information or fail to observe basic digital security measures. "The campaign is a direct response to the rising incidents of cybercrime targeting Nigerian citizens," he said, adding that improved awareness remains one of the most effective ways to prevent such crimes. He urged Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting their digital identities by practising good cyber hygiene and exercising caution when sharing personal or financial information online. The cybercrime chief also issued a warning to individuals engaged in cybercriminal activities, stating that the police had strengthened its digital investigative capabilities. According to him, the NPF-NCCC's Cyberhawk teams are deploying advanced digital tracking technologies to identify, trace and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law. Read also: Policing must reflect community realities, says Disu as panel on state police takes off Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, also commended the international partners supporting Nigeria's cybercrime enforcement efforts. He specifically acknowledged the assistance of the United Kingdom (UK) National Crime Agency and the City of London Police, describing their collaboration with Nigerian authorities as a critical component of global efforts to combat cybercrime. The IGP noted that cyber threats often cut across borders, making international cooperation essential for effective investigation and prosecution. Police authorities used the campaign launch to advise Nigerians on practical steps to safeguard themselves online. They urged the public to treat their digital information with the same level of care used in protecting physical valuables. Among the key safety tips highlighted were protecting sensitive financial information such as ATM PINs, One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication on digital accounts. The police also warned citizens to avoid clicking suspicious links or responding to messages designed to create panic or urgency, which are common tactics used by online scammers. Users were further encouraged to protect sensitive personal or corporate information by using secure communication platforms and verifying the authenticity of online requests before responding. Read also: Police, MAN bust illegal beverage recycling sites in Onitsha Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement, said the campaign forms part of the police's broader strategy to strengthen public awareness and build a safer digital environment for Nigerians. The statement stressed that cybercrime prevention requires collective responsibility, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities to the appropriate authorities. The police expressed optimism that the "Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Face" campaign would help reduce cybercrime incidents by empowering Nigerians with the knowledge needed to recognise and avoid online threats. Source: https://businessday.ng/news/article/police-launch-real-odogwu-no-dey-hide-face-campaign-to-tackle-rising-cybercrime/