U.S. Opens Special Cybersecurity Office in Abuja to Enhance Collaboration with EFCC, this new office aims to improve cooperation in combating cybercrime and will provide technical support, training, and resources to the EFCC
The announcement was made by the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ambassador Mills highlighted that this initiative reflects the U.S. commitment to assisting Nigeria in tackling the increasing challenges of cybercrime, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s cybersecurity infrastructure and protecting its digital assets.
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Ambassador Mills stated, “I am here to ensure our relationship thrives both in democratic values and economic collaboration.
Our new office will focus on deepening our partnership with the EFCC to address cybercrime more effectively.”
He also emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting, “Nigeria is a key partner for the United States due to our shared democratic values, and we are committed to offering comprehensive support.”
President Tinubu welcomed the establishment of the office, acknowledging Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest democracy.
He expressed confidence that this partnership would bring substantial benefits to both nations, boosting security and promoting economic development.
Note
Nigeria is ranked 5th globally for cybercrime activities, following Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States, according to the World Cybercrime Index developed by the University of Oxford and the University of New South Wales, Canberra. This index identifies major global cybercrime hotspots.
In response to rising cybercrime, the U.S. has also announced plans to deploy a cybercrime advisor to Nigeria.
This advisor will facilitate cooperation by providing essential training, equipment, and technical assistance to enhance Nigeria’s ability to combat cyber threats, including fraud and sextortion.
The initiative, expected to be funded by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), was revealed during the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission meeting in Abuja on April 29-30, 2024.
Additionally, Meta has reported the removal of 63,000 Instagram accounts linked to Nigerians involved in financial sextortion scams.
