The International Police Organization, INTERPOL, has appointed Nigerian Police Commissioner, CP Ifeanyi Henry Uche, as the new Chairman of the African Heads of Cybercrime Units.
This significant decision was announced after the tenure of his predecessor, Ratjindua Tjivikua from Namibia, expired.
The appointment took place during the closing of the Africa Working Group Meeting on Cybercrime, where Uche outlined his vision for combating cybercrime in the subregion.
CP Uche, who currently heads the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF -NCCC), highlighted the importance of Africa's high penetration rate of new technologies and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
He emphasized the necessity of establishing an African Incident Response Mechanism and Cybersecurity Frameworks on a Police-to-Police basis to eliminate bottlenecks impeding the free flow of resources.
In his new role, Uche is determined to foster collaboration among member units to enhance the collective ability to prevent and investigate cybercrimes effectively.
He stressed the importance of resource sharing and the level of information and intelligence among African law enforcement agencies.
Uche advocated for the establishment of specialized cybercrime units in African countries, noting that most countries still lack such dedicated units.
Uche also called for significant investments in technology, infrastructure, and capacity building, urging member states to develop indigenous technologies to address their unique socio-cultural challenges.
He emphasized the need for legislative support to push for robust cybersecurity laws and regulations that address cybercrime effectively.
Nigeria's Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, expressed the government's commitment to reforming the police force and enhancing the country's cybersecurity capabilities.
She highlighted the government's dedication to investing in the necessary resources and fostering collaboration both domestically and internationally.
The appointment of CP Uche marks a significant step in the fight against cybercrime in Africa, as the continent faces growing threats from cyber criminals exploiting new technologies.
The new Chairman's vision for a more secure cyberspace in Africa is a promising step towards addressing these challenges and fostering greater collaboration among member states.
