Nigerian Police Commissioner, Uche Ifeanyi Elected As The New Chairperson  Of INTERPOL African Cybercrime Units

The International Police Organisation has designated Nigerian Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Uche, as the Chairman of the African Heads of Cybercrime Units, encompassing leaders from 54 nations.

Uche, serving as the Commissioner of Police overseeing the NPF National Cyber Crime Centre, assumes the role from Ratjindua Tjivikua of Namibia, who completed his tenure as head of Cybercrime.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, also felicitated  CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), on his election victory as the Chairperson of the Africa Working Group on Cybercrime for Heads of Units for the period of 2024-2026. The election which was determined by INTERPOL delegates from the quad of Malawi, Cameroon, South-Sudan and Nigeria saw the Nigeria Police Cybercrime coming top, with Cameroon emerging as Deputy Chairperson.

CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry’s appointment follows the conclusion of the 10th Africa Working Group Meeting on Cybercrime for Heads of 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 brings a wealth of expertise to this critical role.

In his acceptance speech, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry expressed his deep honour and commitment to lead the esteemed group of dedicated professionals in combating cybercrime across the continent. He emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among member units to enhance collective efforts in preventing and investigating cybercrimes effectively in Africa.

CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry outlined key areas of focus, including the establishment of specialized Cybercrime Units, investment in technology and capacity building, and legislative support to address cybercrime effectively, amongst others. He stressed the importance of leveraging indigenous technologies to address Africa’s unique socio-cultural challenges in cyber security.

The Inspector General of Police notes that the election of CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry is a clear indication of his dedication and expertise in leading the fight against cybercrime, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent and globally. The IGP charges CP Uche, as Chairperson of the Africa Working Group on Cybercrime for Heads of Units, to make significant strides in combating cybercrime and promoting cyber security in Africa, expressing readiness of the NPF to engender salient technological advancements to improve on the existing cyber security system of the Force.