FG, UK Partner to Combat Cybercrime, Launch Joint Case Team

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.

The agreement, formalised on Tuesday in Abuja, paves the way for real-time information sharing, coordinated intelligence gathering, and joint prosecution efforts between both countries.

Speaking at the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described the initiative as a “product of foresight and shared conviction,” adding that the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC) would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to tackle complex cyber threats.

The JCTC is composed of representatives from several Nigerian 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 Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi noted that while Nigeria has legislative frameworks such as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended), effective enforcement remains key. “We are coming together not just as institutions, but as one community of justice,” he said.

Also speaking, UK Minister of State for Home Affairs, Lord David Hanson, described the MoU as a tool to combat cybercriminals while promoting economic growth. “We are pleased to support Nigeria and add value to the fight against cybercrime, corruption, and to improve both our economies,” he said.

In a goodwill message, the UNODC Country Director, Cheikh Toure, commended the collaboration, describing it as a step forward in tackling borderless cyber threats. He pledged continued support for inter-agency coordination and capacity building.