NIGERIAN EMERGE CHAIRMAN, INTERPOL AFRICAN HEAD OF CYBERCRIME UNITS
The International Police Organisation has designated Nigerian Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Uche, as the Chairman of the African Heads of Cybercrime Units, comprising leaders from 54 nations.
Mr. Uche, who is the Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), takes over from Mr. Ratjindua Tjivikua of Namibia, who has completed his tenure as head of Cybercrime.
Photo: CP Uche in a handshake with the one the INTERPOL chiefs. Courtesy:FPRD/FHQ
CP Uche Ifeanyi’s new role as the Chairperson of the Africa Working Group on Cybercrime for Heads of Units will last from 2024-2026. He secured the new office through a keenly contested election which was determined by INTERPOL delegates from the squads from Malawi, Cameroon, South-Sudan. A Cameroonian emerged as Deputy Chairperson.
CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry’s appointment was announced at the 10th Africa Working Group Meeting of Heads of Cybercrime Units held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel from April 29th to May 3rd, 2024. With over 8 years of experience in fighting Cyber and Cyber-enabled crime, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry will bring a wealth of experience to bear on his new office.
In his acceptance speech, CP Uche Ifeanyi expressed gratitude to the Interpol and promised to offer committed leadership in combating cybercrime across the continent. He emphasized the urgent need for stronger collaboration among the member states towards investigating cybercrimes effectively in Africa.
He said his major focus would include establishing specialized Cybercrime Units, investment in technology, capacity building of the workforce. He emphasized the need for legislative support to address cybercrime effectively, and stressed the importance of leveraging indigenous technologies to address Africa’s unique socio-cultural challenges in cyber security.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, remarked that the election of CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry is a clear indication of his dedication and commitment in the fight against cybercrime, “not only in Nigeria but across the African continent and globally”, he said. The IGP, however, charged CP Uche to make significant strides in combating cybercrime and promoting cyber security in Africa.
