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ECOWAS Plans War On Cybercrimes
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is working with member states to enhance strategies in cyber security for economic development in the region.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Telecommunications and Information Technologies, Dr Isaias Barreto da Rosa said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
The commissioner said that the development of the ECOWAS cyber security agenda was aimed at helping member states put in place the right legislation to develop necessary cyber security strategies.
According to him, the agenda is also aimed at training judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement agents on investigation and prosecution of cyber crimes.
He also noted that West African countries were losing financially to the scourge of cybercrimes.
“We have a serious problem in the region when it comes to cyber security because many of our countries are listed in prominent positions in international cyber crimes ranking.
“That is why we are working on the ECOWAS cyber security agenda to also help member states that do not have Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTS) put such teams in place,” he said.
He explained that these CERTS were critical to monitoring the cyber security environment within a country, make recommendations and assist in ensuring a safer cyber environment within a country.
Bareto da Rosa further reiterated that the harmonisation of national regulatory framework and policies would facilitate and promote cooperation among ICT stakeholders across member states.
Cybercrime, or computer crime is crime that involves a computer and network.
Computer crime encompasses a broad range of activities such as fraud and financial crimes, cyber terrorism, computer viruses and malware that primarily target computer networks or devices, among others.
According to the United Nations, cybercrime covers any illegal behaviour directed by means of electronic operations that targets the security of computer systems and the data processed by them.
SciDev.Net, a website on science and technology information, noted that a widely accepted estimate puts cybercrime costs on the world economy at 500 billion dollars.
It also noted that according to estimates, cybercrime costs the Nigerian economy the sum of 500 million dollars per annum.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, in its quarterly global Threat Index report, revealed that in May 2016, Nigeria ranked 16th in cyber attacks vulnerability index in Africa.
Check Point is the largest global pure-play network cyber security vendor, and its Threat Index provides a data-based breakdown of new and prevalent threats; as well as the relative rankings of countries’ risk profiles globally.
Its report further revealed that Nigeria also ranked 19th out of the 112 countries on the overall global index.
According to the report, there are four African countries in the top 10 of the index which are Malawi, Djibouti, Namibia and Angola.
It also showed disparities in the threat environments in Africa, and the potential for increased attacks as cybercriminals target mobile devices.
Experts have also emphasised that cyber crime may be the greatest threat to every organisation in the world.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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