Page 11 - THENIGERIAPOLICEFORCE AND CYBERPOLICINGASYNOPSIS

other relevant security agencies would ensure safety and security of the cyberspace.

Relatedly, Pratt, Holtfreter and Reisig (2010) highlighted that technological advances have
altered the patterns of individuals’ routine activities, which ultimately present them as targets

suitable for criminal victimization in the internet.

Conclusions

The study summarily concludes that:

 Cyber-related security threats are continually increasing in the Nigerian cyberspace.

This is due to the wide acceptance and popularity of internet amongst individuals,

businesses and governmental agencies.
 To enhance socio-economic development in Nigeria, people and businesses that

carryout legitimate activities on the cyber space need to be protected.

 Cyber policing is being widely acknowledged as a promising strategy to combat
cyber-related security threats.

 Technology-driven worlds have since adopted cyber policing in their security

architecture and it yields positive results.
 In Nigeria, cyber policing, as a strategy, has not been given the needed attention. The

Nigeria Police Force, the largest policing agency in the country is not prepared to
handle computer-mediated crimes. The agency lacks technologies and technical

know-how to combat cyber-related security threats.

Policy Recommendations

Based on the above, recommendations are made as follows:

1. The federal government of Nigeria should redirect her attention towards cyber

policing and allocate adequate funds for the procurement of Information and

Communication Technologies (ICTs) needed to deal with cyber-related threats.
2. In addition to the establishment of Cybercrimes Unit, the Management of the Nigeria

Police Force should ensure training and retraining of its personnel (most especially,
Investigation Police Officers and Prosecutors) on digital forensics, in order to keep

pace with the changing world of crime.

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