Nigeria and UK Launch Joint Cybercrime Task Force to Combat Transnational Digital Crimes
ABUJA, Nigeria – April 29, 2025
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combat cybercrimes and enhance cross-border collaboration against digital fraud, online scams, and transnational criminal networks. The agreement, which includes the launch of a Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC), aims to strengthen intelligence-sharing, joint investigations, and prosecutions of cybercriminals operating in both countries.
Key Components of the Partnership
- Joint Case Team: Comprises Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), alongside UK law enforcement agencies.
- Focus Areas:
- Real-time intelligence sharing on cyber threats.
- Coordinated operations to dismantle fraud networks.
- Capacity building for investigators and prosecutors.
- Legal Framework: Aligns with Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015 and UK cybercrime laws to ensure seamless cross-jurisdictional prosecutions.
Statements from Leaders
- Lateef Fagbemi (Nigeria’s Attorney-General):
- “This MoU marks a transformative stride in our criminal justice system. Cybercrime transcends borders, and isolation is not an option.”
- “The JCTC will ensure synergy and mutual respect among institutions committed to justice.”
- Lord David Hanson (UK Minister of State for Home Affairs):
- “Cybercrime is a major drag on economic growth. This partnership will protect businesses and citizens in both nations.”
- “The UK will support Nigeria in bringing cybercriminals to justice, leveraging our shared expertise.”
Context and Urgency
The partnership follows a surge in cross-border cybercrimes, including:
- Advance-fee fraud (“419 scams”) targeting UK citizens.
- Cryptocurrency scams like the CBEX scheme, which defrauded Nigerians of ₦1.3 trillion.
- Phishing and data breaches affecting financial institutions in both countries.
The collaboration also addresses emerging threats, such as AI-driven fraud and ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure.
Implementation and Next Steps
- Training Programs: Joint workshops for Nigerian investigators on digital forensics and blockchain analysis.
- Tech Upgrades: Deployment of advanced cybercrime detection tools funded by the UK.
- UNODC Support: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime pledged technical assistance to enhance Nigeria’s cyber resilience.
