NSCDC To Comply With Provisions Of Cyber Crime Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015

Dr. Olusola Odumosu, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has announced that from now on, the investigation and prosecution of offenders related to the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) will be conducted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Protection of CNII Order, 2024.

Odumosu disclosed during a one-day internal workshop to acquaint personnel of relevant departments and units of the Command, such as ICT, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Intelligence and Investigation, Legal unit, and personnel from the Area Commands and Divisions, with the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act and Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) order.

The workshop was convened in line with the directive of the Commandant General (CG), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni OFR, following the directive of the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the application of the cyber crimes prohibition, prevention etc Act, 2015, in the prosecution of offences relating to Critical Information Infrastructure (CNII) as contained in the designation and protection of CNII order, 2024.

He said some individuals apprehended for vandalism or stealing CNII, like fiber optics cables, transmission towers, communication bases, and switching stations with other ICT-related infrastructure, are still being charged under conventional laws applicable to theft or malicious damage, which has failed to address the National Security, Economic, and Strategic implications of tampering with CNII.

The FCT Boss hinted that it was imperative to note that CNII comprises Networks, systems, and facilities, especially in telecommunications, finance, energy, transportation, and Defence, whose disruption could compromise National Security, Economic, and Public Safety.

The Commandant said CNII remains one of the core mandates of the Corps, and all hands must be on deck to ensure that Critical National Assets and Infrastructure remain secured and capable of supporting the nation’s growth in this digital era.

“This gathering is not just a response to security threats but a proactive step towards fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning to safeguard our cultural heritage from vandalism.”

“It must be clear that the Cybercrime law underscores the fact that attacks are no longer just physical – cutting cables, vandalizing installation, but also digital or hybrid system interference, unauthorised access, data tampering”.

He urged all the participants to cascade the knowledge they have garnered to officers under them to ensure that vandalism is completely obliterated from the Capital Territory.