Online Safety Campaign: Police,Centre Flag Off ‘Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Him Face’

The director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, CP Ifeanyi Uche Henry has launched the “Online Safety and Cyber-Hygiene” cybercrime awareness campaign tagged “Real Odogwu No Dey Hide Him Face.” Ut is a joint initiative with the UK National Crime Agency aimed at discouraging Nigerian youths from engaging in cybercrime by exposing the harsh realities behind the false glamour of online fraud.

At the launch on March 6, 2026, Uche warned that cyber threats are rapidly evolving and are increasingly affecting individuals, businesses and government institutions across Nigeria.

The commissioner stressed that cybercrime, such as identity theft, romance scams, phishing, business email compromise, sextortion and online harassment, continues to rise largely because many citizens remain unaware of basic cybersecurity practices. According to him, public awareness and education remain the most effective tools for protecting Nigerians from falling victim to online fraud.

Explaining the theme of the campaign, “Odogwu no dey hide him face,” CP Henry said the initiative is designed to encourage responsible digital behaviour while discouraging cybercriminal activities among young people. “The message is simple: the real Odogwu does not hide behind a screen to defraud others,” he said. “Nigerians must learn how to protect their personal information by using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links and verifying information before sharing it online.”

He also urged traders, artisans and entrepreneurs, groups frequently targeted by fraudsters not to disclose banking details, rely on fake payment alerts or accept suspicious online offers. The NPF-NCCC Director warned that anyone considering cybercrime should reconsider, noting that digital footprints make it increasingly difficult for criminals to evade justice and that offenders face serious legal consequences.

Also speaking at the event, the National Commissioner of the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Vincent Olatunji, highlighted the economic scale of cyber-related fraud. “In 2025 alone, fraud losses reached about $25.85 billion globally,” he revealed. “Bank fraud accounted for $3.3 billion, Ponzi schemes about $1 billion, investment fraud roughly $300 billion, while card fraud alone stood at $14.3 billion.”

Olatunji noted that these figures demonstrate why stronger digital awareness and protection of personal data are essential. “Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it is a necessity for national and economic security,” he added.

Representing the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Mrs. Dora Emmanuel Iroh commended the NPF-NCCC for its proactive approach. She said the campaign demonstrates the importance of partnerships between institutions working to secure Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. “We commend the centre’s proactive initiative in public education, enforcement and partnerships such as the collaboration with NIMC in building a safer digital Nigeria,” she said. “I join the NPF-NCCC in calling on Nigerians to take ownership of their digital safety.”

In his remarks, the National President of the National Youth Organisation, Duke Alamboye, emphasised the need to expand the campaign beyond urban centres. “This campaign should be taken to the grassroots,” he said. “Cybercrime is no longer confined to the cities. The bad eggs are now in rural communities, so awareness must reach young people everywhere.”

International partners also expressed strong support for the initiative. Speaking on behalf of the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, Mr. Matt Mountain described the campaign as a powerful message to young Nigerians. “It speaks directly to the youth,” he said. “The campaign reminds us that the real Odogwu no dey hide face. What this initiative does is challenge the idea that cybercrime represents success. The real Odogwu is the one who builds legitimate businesses.”

He added that the UK’s National Crime Agency and the British High Commission will continue to support cooperation with Nigerian authorities. “Our role, like that of many international partners, is simply to support collaboration and work alongside partners committed to preventing crime.”

The campaign marks another step by the Nigeria Police Force and its partners to promote responsible internet use, strengthen cybersecurity awareness and encourage Nigerians, especially young people to channel their digital skills into legitimate opportunities rather than cybercrime.