EFCC Plans To Turn Fraudsters into Tech Heroes with Allowance Plan

[Gigabyte Computer Solutions]

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has unveiled ambitious plans to launch a Cybercrime Response Academy, designed to rehabilitate convicted Nigerian cybercriminals by imparting valuable digital skills and providing monthly allowances to aid their reintegration. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede shared this initiative during the National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Olukoyede outlined a vision for a 500-capacity center, with future expansion to house up to 2,500 individuals, aimed at redirecting the technical expertise of convicted fraudsters into lawful sectors of Nigeria’s digital economy. “We are crafting a strategy, supported by key development partners, to establish a 500-capacity cybercrime response center. Our goal is to bring these individuals in and steer their skills toward productive avenues,” he explained.

The program will include vocational training and financial support through stipends during participants’ time at the facility, fostering a sustainable shift away from crime. Olukoyede projected that the academy will be up and running by next year, with plans to scale up to 2,500 participants, all receiving allowances to support their transition.

Deportation Plan for Foreign Offenders
In a related development, Olukoyede disclosed the EFCC’s recent crackdown on a major international cybercrime syndicate operating in Nigeria. A December operation led to the arrest of 194 suspects, including 182 foreign nationals accused of using stolen Nigerian identities for fraudulent activities.

Of these, 146 have been convicted, and Olukoyede confirmed that the foreign offenders will be deported to their home countries after serving their sentences. “Following their jail terms, they will be sent back to their countries,” he stated, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in tackling cross-border cybercrime.

The EFCC has bolstered its efforts through partnerships with the FBI, Interpol, and UK authorities, recently formalizing an agreement with the FBI and the Cambodian government to enhance intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement.

Cybercrime Threat to Nigeria’s Digital Growth
Olukoyede expressed alarm at the rising sophistication of cyber threats, which he described as a significant danger to Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy. He pointed to the vulnerabilities in the financial and digital sectors, where valuable data and assets attract cybercriminals, especially as mobile banking, e-commerce, and digital currencies expand rapidly.

While celebrating Nigeria’s digital progress, he cautioned that inadequate cybersecurity measures could jeopardize these advancements. He advocated for a united front involving financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement, particularly in responding to incidents. Olukoyede urged banks to report cyberattacks swiftly, noting that timely information sharing strengthens the EFCC’s ability to respond effectively.

[Precious]

I am not suprised, we always find a way to excuse criminals and terrorists. Whatever academy they want to create, would be effective for millions of criminology graduates without JOBS

[Author]

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