The Nigerian Government and the United Kingdom have officially launched the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes (JCTC) – a first-of-its-kind multi-agency collaboration designed to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi, described the JCTC as a “bold and transformative stride” in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, emphasising that the initiative is not just a project but “the birth of a vision.”
“This vision centers on synergy, coordination, and mutual respect among key institutions tasked with justice delivery,” he said.
The JCTC draws membership from critical government bodies, including the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCert), the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court.
The team aims to address the increasing complexity of cybercrime through a coordinated approach that promotes intelligence sharing, reduces bureaucratic delays, and ensures prosecutors and investigators work side by side from the onset of cases.
“Laws alone cannot win battles. It is the people who interpret, enforce, and apply these laws that must be equipped, united, and empowered to act swiftly and effectively,” the AGF said.
The launch also recognised the vital role of international partners in realising the initiative, including the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the Commonwealth Secretariat (Comm Sec.), who provided IT equipment and foundational training for team members.
The Minister of state, UK home office, David Hanson said the initiative will help support tackling cybercrime will help bear down and add value to the government’s approach to crime.
“We are proud of the fact that we’ve been able to assist with the development of this initiative and we stand ready as officials in the United Kingdom to support initiatives for the future
“We look forward to the work that you are doing in the future and we stand ready with you to tackle the people that seek to defraud our citizens both in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom to tackle crime head on,” Hanson added.
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s criminal justice system were also urged to support the team, which is expected to serve as a model for inter-agency collaboration in the fight against cybercrime.
The event concluded with the formal unveiling of the JCTC, a signing of an MoU and a call for unity, integrity, and courage among team members as they lead the charge against cyber threats targeting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
