CurrentReport Blog As cyber threats escalate across Nigeria, Prof. John Kolo Alhassan of the Department of Computer Science at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), has urged the Federal Government to establish a National Cybercrime Control Centre (NCCC). This call was made during the 111th inaugural lecture at the Gidan-Kwano campus.
Prof. Alhassan emphasized that the NCCC should be complemented by sub-control centres in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to address the rapidly evolving landscape of internet technology and cyber warfare tactics. He also recommended the creation of a Dark Web Monitoring Research Centre to stay ahead of cybercriminals operating in these hidden networks.
The professor highlighted the growing threats posed by identity theft, fake banking applications, and fraudulent alerts, which are often orchestrated through the Dark Web. He stressed the need for comprehensive action plans, including robust network monitoring, detection of unauthorized activities, and swift responses to threats.
Prof. Alhassan underscored the importance of essential cybersecurity measures such as password management, two-factor authentication, regular vulnerability assessments, and continuous employee training to defend against these evolving threats. He called on governments, private organizations, and individuals to adopt proactive strategies to enhance cybersecurity and protect against increasing cyber risks.
In addition, he advocated for widespread awareness campaigns through traditional and social media platforms, alongside the acquisition of advanced cybersecurity surveillance tools. Prof. Alhassan also urged all internet users to stay informed about emerging cyber attack techniques and to implement disaster recovery plans in case of security breaches.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, praised Prof. Alhassan for his insightful lecture and commended the audience for their active participation.
This call to action comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces growing cyber threats, making the establishment of a National Cybercrime Control Centre more urgent than ever.
