The Overview of Cybercrime and Cyber Security in Nigeria and Its Future Trends

Abstract

Abstract The prevalence of cybercrimes in Nigeria has exhibited a consistent upward trajectory in recent years. This paper aims to offer a comprehensive assessment of the rate of cybercrime and cybersecurity incidents in Nigeria over a specified period. The study utilizes data sourced from the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) as well as a distributed survey administered to a diverse cohort of students, staff, and workers, employing basic statistical analysis and nearest neighbour analysis. The study's findings reveal a significant surge in cybercrime rates in recent times, particularly within sectors encompassing social, financial, and educational domains, among others. The findings also underscore the persistent increase of cybercrime over time, which is largely attributed to inadequate action from government bodies, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies. Consequently, it is recommended that law enforcement agencies and regulatory entities intensify their efforts to monitor and address these criminal activities. Ultimately, proactive initiatives should be directed towards safeguarding the most vulnerable demographic groups against cybercrime victimization.