Tough times ahead for cybercriminals, Ezima says, as he takes charge of Police Cybercrime Centre

By Vincent Kalu

The new Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), Commissioner of Police (CP) Akaninyene Ezima, has warned that cybercriminals in the country face a crackdown and tough times.

CP Ezima is bringing to bear his over three decades of policing experience at the country’s frontline agency against cyber threats.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, and is stepping into the role at a time when Nigeria faces increasing challenges from cybercrime and other digital security threats.

Over the years, he has built a reputation for professionalism and operational efficiency, serving in several critical positions across the Force.

He was Deputy Commissioner of Police at Zone 17 Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Akure and also held key leadership roles as Zonal Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ibadan, Lagos, Benin, and Kano.

His tenure at the EFCC was marked by notable anti-corruption efforts that earned him commendations.

Before his latest appointment, Ezima served as Commissioner of Police at the Force Intelligence Department Annex in Lagos, where he further strengthened intelligence-driven policing operations.

His appointment as Director of the NPF-NCCC is widely seen as a strategic move, leveraging his extensive investigative background and leadership experience to enhance Nigeria’s response to cybercrime.

He takes over from the pioneer Director of the Centre, Assistant Inspector General of Police Uche Ifeanyi Henry, who was recently promoted and redeployed to head the Department of Training and Development at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

With his new role, Ezima is expected to spearhead efforts to combat cybercrime, strengthen digital security frameworks, and improve the Force’s capacity to tackle emerging online threats across the country.