October 23, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a 24-hour Cybercrime Rapid Response Desk.
Designed to fast-track reporting internet fraud and all other forms of cyber crimes, the desk provides local and international access for real-time communication with the EFCC.
The response desk has both local and international phone numbers for contacting the EFCC on matters relating to cybercrime in Nigeria and across the globe.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the desk at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, in Abuja on Tuesday.
The unveiling was part of the highlights marking the National Cybercrime Summit organised by the EFCC with support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), the European Union and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
The summit highlighted EFCC’s efforts to counter cybercrime while encouraging youth involvement in productive activities, stressing the importance of addressing the dangers of the digital age and its impact on the youth.
Commending the anti-graft agency for the Desk, the First Lady highlighted that cybercrime poses a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and the future of young people, who account for over 60% of the population.
“Cybercrime is not a crime against individuals and businesses. It is an assault on our collective integrity, economic stability and the future of our youth. It is, therefore, crucial that we address these challenges head-on and explore not only the harmful consequences of cyber-crimes, but also the sustainable alternatives that can redirect our youths towards productive and positive endeavours”, she said.
On his part, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, while lamenting rising incidents of cybercrime, noted that over 2,300 cases are reported daily worldwide, with losses projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.
“The menace of cybercrimes, like most economic and financial crimes, is a burning challenge that we cannot deny, ignore or wish away.
“The national discourse on cybercrime was necessitated by the overarching need for us to articulate opinions and build greater strength against the scourge of cybercrimes. This time around, we are not only interrogating the problem, we are aggregating workable solutions to it.
“The enormity of challenges posed to us as individuals and nation by cybercrimes are grievous. As individuals, youths’ involvement in these crimes is distorting and corrupting acceptable family values. The tendency towards quick riches no longer positions our young people for enterprise, resourceful intellectual aspirations and technological innovations.
“About 2,328 cases of cybercrime occur daily globally with a global loss projected to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025.
“Projections by multiple sources show that the global loss to cybercrimes may reach a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025, with approximately 2,328 (Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty-eight) cases occurring daily. The implication of all these is that, if left unchecked, cybercrimes portend grave dangers to the entire world. These are the realities stoking the Commission’s fight against these crimes”, he said.
