FG Joins Forces with UK in Groundbreaking Digital Security Pact

By Achimi Muktar

In a decisive move to curb Nigeria’s spiraling cybercrime crisis, the Federal Government has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom, marking a new era of international cooperation in digital security and criminal justice reform.

The agreement, which was sealed on Tuesday by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, is part of a broader strategy to fortify Nigeria’s criminal justice system and dismantle cybercrime networks that have long plagued the nation’s global reputation.

“Today is not just the launch of a project,” Fagbemi declared, “it is the birth of a vision—one that places collaboration, synergy, and shared purpose at the heart of our fight against cybercrime.”

At the heart of this initiative is the launch of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC), a special task force that brings together Nigeria’s key law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies including the EFCC, Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre, NFIU, NAPTIP, NgCERT, and the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The JCTC is designed to streamline investigations, improve prosecutions, and enhance intelligence sharing, aligning with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

UK Partnership: A Shared Frontline

David Hanson, UK Minister of State, pledged his government’s full support, emphasizing that cybercrime is not just a Nigerian problem—it’s a global threat.

“We’re proud to stand with Nigeria in this fight,” Hanson said. “Cybercrime threatens the economic lifeblood of both our nations. By working together, we increase our chances of stopping it at the root.”

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, represented by Justice Inyang Ekwo, echoed this sentiment, noting the borderless nature of cybercrime and the need for a unified global response.

“This MoU is more than just ink on paper,” Tsoho said. “It’s a tangible demonstration of our collective resolve to tackle digital crime in all its evolving forms.”

Why It Matters: A Nation Under Digital Siege

Despite securing over 3,400 cybercrime convictions in 2024 alone, Nigeria remains a hotspot for digital fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) estimates that the country lost $500 million to cybercriminals in 2022, with projections soaring to $10.5 trillion globally by 2025.

From business email compromises to romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud, Nigerian syndicates have drawn international scrutiny—and arrests.

Just months after launching its 24/7 Cybercrime Rapid Response Desk, the EFCC uncovered a massive fraud ring involving 792 suspects, including foreigners, in Lagos. The suspects were tied to cryptocurrency scams and digital investment fraud.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has warned that the challenge has outgrown the agency, calling for a nationwide and global coalition to stamp out cybercriminal operations.

“Cybercrime is no longer a fringe problem—it’s entrenched,” Olukoyede stressed. “It can’t be left to the EFCC alone. This is a collective responsibility.”

What’s Next?

The MoU between Nigeria and the UK signals a strategic shift in how cybercrime is tackled—moving away from fragmented enforcement to coordinated, intelligence-driven responses with international backing.

With both nations now actively sharing resources, technology, and legal strategies, experts believe that cybercriminals will soon find Nigeria a much tougher playground.

As Fagbemi aptly put it:

“Laws don’t win battles—people do. And those people must now act—swiftly, unitedly, and fearlessly.”

The digital war is on. And for once, Nigeria is no longer fighting alone.