By Mercy Gadia
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre on Tuesday received the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration against cyber-enabled crimes.
The visit, which took place at the NPF-NCCC headquarters in Abuja, was led by the Director of the Centre, CP Akaninyene Ezima, who hosted the NDLEA delegation.
The meeting followed a formal request by the anti-narcotics agency to understudy the operations of the Police Cybercrime Centre and identify areas of collaboration, particularly in enhancing its cyber capabilities to address emerging technology-driven crimes.
Speaking during the visit, Ezima reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to fostering strategic partnerships aimed at securing the nation’s cyberspace.
He noted that criminal networks, including those involved in drug trafficking, were increasingly exploiting digital platforms to carry out their activities, stressing the need for improved intelligence sharing and coordinated responses among security agencies.
“The increasing exploitation of digital platforms by criminal networks underscores the urgent need for enhanced intelligence sharing, capacity building, and coordinated operational responses among law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Ezima added that the Police Cybercrime Centre remained committed to supporting relevant agencies through knowledge sharing, digital forensics expertise, and joint operations to curb cyber-enabled criminal activities.
In his remarks, Marwa commended the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the NPF-NCCC, for its professionalism and track record in combating cybercrime.
He stated that the evolving use of cyberspace by drug trafficking syndicates had necessitated the NDLEA’s decision to strengthen its digital investigative capacity.
“The evolving use of cyberspace by criminal elements involved in drug trafficking has informed our resolve to strengthen our digital investigative capabilities,” Marwa said.
He expressed confidence that collaboration with the Police Cybercrime Centre would significantly enhance the agency’s effectiveness in tackling technology-driven crimes.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both agencies to deliberate on key areas of mutual interest, including intelligence sharing, digital forensics, capacity development, and operational cooperation.
The Police said the engagement aligns with its broader strategy to deepen partnerships with security and law enforcement agencies in addressing emerging threats within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.