The International Police Organization, INTERPOL, has appointed Nigerian Police Commissioner, CP Ifeanyi Henry Uche, as the Chairman of the African Heads of Cybercrime Units. This prestigious appointment puts CP Uche at the helm of a team comprising heads of cybercrime units from 54 African countries.
CP Uche, who is also the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), takes over from Ratjindua Tjivikua, the outgoing head of Cybercrime from Namibia. In his acceptance speech, CP Uche emphasized the need for African countries to join forces in the fight against cybercrime.“
The high penetration rate of new technologies in Africa exposes our cyberspace to potential targets for cybercriminals,” CP Uche warned “We must leverage INTERPOL’s communication network and existing capabilities to share classified intelligence and establish specialized cybercrime units.”
He also advocated for the establishment of an African Incident Response Mechanism and Cybersecurity Frameworks on a Police-to-Police basis, harping on the need for investment in technology, infrastructure, and capacity building to address the growing threat of cybercrime.
The Minister of State, Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, congratulated CP Uche on his appointment and reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to reforming the police force and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.
As Chairman, CP Uche has pledged to lead from the front, fostering collaboration among member units to enhance their collective ability to prevent and investigate cybercrimes effectively in Africa.
