The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to establish a Cybercrime Response Academy aimed at rehabilitating convicted Nigerian cybercriminals by transforming their digital skills into assets for the legitimate economy.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the disclosure on Wednesday during the National Cybersecurity Conference held in Abuja, according to multiple reports including Nairametrics and Premium Times.
Olukoyede revealed that the academy—initially designed to accommodate 500 participants but scalable to 2,500—will provide vocational training and monthly stipends to rehabilitated individuals. The objective is to redirect their advanced technical expertise away from criminal enterprises and into productive sectors of Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy.
“We are building a plan now, with support from key development partners, to establish a 500-capacity cybercrime response centre. We will bring these individuals in and redirect their skills towards productive sectors,” Olukoyede stated.
He further confirmed that participants would receive allowances as part of their reintegration process, with the facility expected to become operational by next year.
Highlighting the international dimension of cybercrime, Olukoyede revealed that the EFCC had dismantled one of the largest foreign cybercrime syndicates operating in Nigeria. In a December 2024 operation, 194 suspects were arrested, including 182 foreign nationals accused of using stolen Nigerian identities to carry out fraudulent activities.
So far, 146 of those arrested have been convicted. Olukoyede confirmed that all convicted foreign nationals will be deported after serving their jail terms.
“After the jail time, they will be repatriated to their home countries,” he emphasized, noting that international partnerships are critical in the fight against cross-border cybercrime.
The EFCC is strengthening its cooperation with global agencies such as the FBI, Interpol, and law enforcement authorities in the UK. Recently, the Commission signed agreements with the FBI and the Cambodian government to boost intelligence sharing and joint operational capabilities.
Cybercrime threats to the digital economy
Olukoyede expressed deep concern over the increasing sophistication of cybercrime in Nigeria, warning that it poses a significant risk to the country’s digital and financial ecosystems.
He pointed out that rapid advancements in mobile banking, e-commerce, and cryptocurrency adoption have created attractive targets for cybercriminals. Without robust cybersecurity frameworks, these innovations could be undermined, threatening economic growth and public trust.
The EFCC Chairman urged banks and financial institutions to proactively share incident reports and collaborate with law enforcement to enhance response effectiveness.
“When banks fail to report incidents promptly, it weakens our ability to act swiftly and prevent further damage,” he said.
Why this matters
Nigeria is experiencing one of Africa’s fastest digital transformations, with a boom in fintech, digital payments, and online commerce. While these developments promise economic expansion and job creation, they also come with increased cybersecurity risks.
Experts argue that the proposed Cybercrime Response Academy could serve as a model for blending rehabilitation with economic empowerment—turning former cyber offenders into contributors to national development.
The EFCC’s bold move also signals a shift towards a more restorative approach to justice, potentially reducing recidivism and integrating skilled individuals back into society in a productive manner.
