Ministry seeks cybersecurity experts’ inputs for national police policy

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the minister of state for police affairs, says the ministry will involve cybersecurity experts in developing a national police policy.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said Tombari Sibe and Christian Kaunert, authors of ‘Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria’, are to provide inputs on cybersecurity frameworks for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The minister spoke through Mike Imafidor, his senior technical adviser on policy and strategy, at the launch of the book in Abuja on Friday.

She said the ministry is focused on driving police reforms through the integration of advanced technologies.

“The ministry is championing the development of the police reform programme,” the minister said.

“And as part of that programme, one of the key pillars is strengthening the technical and operational efficiency of the NPF.

“Under that pillar, adopting technology is crucial, and it is one of the pathways being pursued.

“Beyond identifying potential opportunities for enhancing resource provision, efforts are also focused on exploring public-private partnership options to support this component.

“Another significant element is the development of a national policing policy, with the committee currently being formed.

“We will extend an invitation to Dr. Sibe and Professor Kaunert to join the committee, particularly in the section focusing on cybersecurity and technology adoption within the NPF.

“The aim is to establish a framework for technology integration, avoiding isolated systems that are difficult to connect and ensuring smooth interoperability.

“The goal is to create a policy that guarantees the sustainability of these technological efforts.

“In line with the focus on technology adoption, the ministry of police affairs is also working to strengthen the command and control centre.”