FG Launches Joint Case Team to Combat Cybercrime
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, on Tuesday unveiled the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes at a formal ceremony held at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking at the launch, Fagbemi emphasized the federal government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from cyber threats, promising swift justice for perpetrators. “To Nigerians, we are building a system that will protect you, defend your rights, and bring cybercriminals to book,” he declared.
The newly established team brings together key players from various government agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCERT), the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court.
Describing the initiative as “a bold and transformative step in Nigeria’s criminal justice system,” the AGF said it is rooted in a vision of synergy, coordination, and mutual respect among justice institutions. He stressed that cybercrime, being complex and constantly evolving, requires a collaborative and dynamic response involving both investigators and prosecutors from the outset.
“This Joint Case Team was created to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, ensure seamless strategy alignment, and drive results through shared resources and capacity building,” Fagbemi added.
The event attracted notable dignitaries, including David Hanson, UK Minister of State for Home Affairs, along with representatives from the EFCC, NFIU, and other cybercrime-focused agencies. Fagbemi acknowledged the critical support of international partners such as the UK National Crime Agency, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, who have contributed IT infrastructure and training resources.
The launch comes amid growing concern over Nigeria’s rising cybercrime profile. A global cybercrime index released earlier this year ranked Nigeria fifth worldwide in terms of cybercrime activity sources—trailing behind Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States. The index, produced by researchers from Oxford University and the University of New South Wales, highlights Nigeria as a major hotspot for cyber-related offenses.
In 2024, the EFCC reported that cybercrime cost Nigeria over $500 million in losses in 2022 alone. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has established a cybersecurity support office within its Abuja embassy to aid Nigerian efforts.
Adding to the urgency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently raised concerns about rising incidents of cyber slavery targeting Nigerian youths, lured abroad with false job offers in crypto operations, only to be exploited.
With the new Joint Case Team in place, the federal government aims to reverse the tide of cybercrime by ensuring swift and effective prosecution, greater institutional cooperation, and stronger international collaboration.
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