1.1 Introduction
Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2023). The cyber security field is of growing importance due to increasing reliance on computer systems, including smart phones, televisions and the various tiny devices that constitute the Internet of Things.
In a computing context, security comprises cyber security and physical security both are used by enterprises to safe against unauthorized access to data centre and other computerized systems. in the digital age, the prevalence of cyber threats has necessitated a robust response from law enforcement agencies worldwide. Nigeria, like many other nations, faces a growing array of cybercrimes that threaten both national security and individual privacy.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The advent of the digital era has significantly transformed the landscape of crime, introducing new challenges that law enforcement agencies must address. Cybercrime, characterized by its complexity and borderless nature, poses a substantial threat to national security, economic stability, and individual privacy. In Nigeria, the rise in cybercrimes such as hacking, phishing, and financial fraud has underscored the urgent need for a robust cyber security framework within the policing system.
Historically, Nigerian law enforcement agencies have focused predominantly on traditional forms of crime, often lacking the specialized knowledge and tools required to combat cyber threats effectively. This gap in expertise has led to increased vulnerabilities, making Nigeria an attractive target for cybercriminals. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the imperative for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to cyber security becomes more pronounced.
The concept of integrating cyber security awareness and education into the Nigerian policing framework has evolved in response to the escalating cyber threats facing the nation. Over the past decade, Nigeria has witnessed a significant increase in cybercrimes, prompting law enforcement agencies to seek more effective methods for combating these sophisticated threats.
Initially, the Nigerian police force primarily focused on traditional crime-fighting techniques, with limited attention given to cyber threats. However, as cybercrime incidents surged, it became evident that existing strategies were inadequate. This realization led to the introduction of various cybersecurity initiatives aimed at equipping police officers with the necessary skills to address digital crimes.
In 2014, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) established the Cybercrime Unit, dedicated to tackling cyber offenses. This unit was instrumental in promoting cybersecurity education and implementing specialized training programs for police officers. The creation of this unit marked a significant milestone in the institutionalization of cybersecurity within the Nigerian policing framework.
Building on these initial efforts, the "Awareness of Cyber Security and Education Programme" was formally introduced in 2016 as a comprehensive initiative to enhance the cyber security capabilities of the NPF. The program was designed to provide ongoing training, practical workshops, and awareness campaigns tailored to the specific needs of Nigerian law enforcement. Key components of the program included collaboration with international cyber security organizations, integration of cyber security modules into police training curricula, and the establishment of partnerships with academic institutions to provide advanced education opportunities for police officers. The program also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing cyber threats and fostering a collaborative approach to cyber security.
Since its inception, the program has undergone several phases of development, continually adapting to the evolving cyber threat landscape. The impact of these efforts has been significant, resulting in improved detection, prevention, and response to cybercrimes by the Nigerian police force. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the awareness level of cyber security and education programme impact on sustainable policing.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many Nigerian police officers lack adequate training in cyber security, which impedes their ability to effectively combat cybercrime. Traditional police training programs do not sufficiently cover the complexities and technical aspects of cyber threats, leaving officers unprepared for the digital challenges they face. There is often a lack of coordination between different stakeholders involved in cyber security, including government agencies, and international partners. This fragmentation results in inefficiencies and gaps in the overall cyber security framework (Oluwaseun, 2023).
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. The dynamic nature of these threats requires continuous learning and adaptation, which is difficult to achieve without a structured and ongoing education program (Oluwaseun, 2023). Furthermore, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) often operates with constrained resources, including outdated technology and limited access to advanced cyber security tools. This resource deficit hampers the ability of law enforcement to implement and sustain effective cyber security measures (Oluwaseun, 2023). Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the awareness level of cyber security and education programme impact on sustainable policing.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate the level of cyber security awareness and education programme impact on sustainable policing in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the extent of collaboration between the police, government agencies, and private sector in promoting cyber security education;
- To identify the primary obstacles that hinders the effective implementation of cyber security strategies within the police force;
- To examine the impact of the program on the skills and knowledge of police officers regarding cyber security; and
- To suggest policy changes and resource allocation strategies that can support the long-term sustainability of cyber security initiatives in policing.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there challenges faced by the Nigerian police force in implementing and sustaining cyber security measures?
- What is the current level of cyber security awareness and education among Nigerian police officers?
- What improvements in skills and knowledge have been observed among police officers who have participated in the program?
- What organizational and structural challenges affect the police’s ability to sustain cyber security efforts?
- How do stakeholder collaborations influence the success of cyber security education and awareness initiatives within the police force?
- What policy and strategic recommendations can enhance the sustainability of cyber security efforts in Nigerian policing?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H01: Enhanced cyber security education and awareness among Nigerian police officers do not lead to a significant reduction in the incidence and impact of cybercrimes
- H02: Increased public awareness and trust in the police's cyber security measures are positively associated with the perceived effectiveness and transparency of these measures.
- H03: The sustainability of policing efforts against cybercrime is positively correlated with the continuous and systematic implementation of cyber security education programs.
1.7 Significance of Study
The study on the "Awareness of Cyber Security and Education Programme Impact on Sustainable Policing in Nigeria" holds significant importance for various stakeholders. Here are five key areas of significance:
- Policymakers and Government Officials: The study provides critical data and insights that can inform the creation of more effective cyber security policies. It underscores the need for continuous investment in cyber security education and the importance of updating legal and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with evolving cyber threats. This information is crucial for developing strategies that support sustainable and effective policing against cybercrime.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: For law enforcement agencies, the study offers a deeper understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in implementing cyber security measures. It highlights best practices and successful models of collaboration, providing a roadmap for improving the cyber security capabilities of the police force. The findings can help police departments enhance their training programs, adopt new technologies, and develop more effective response strategies to cybercrime.
- Academic Institutions and Training Providers: The study emphasizes the need for specialized and comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of law enforcement personnel. Academic institutions and training providers can use these insights to design curricula that equip police officers with the latest knowledge and skills in cyber security. This ensures that training programs remain relevant and effective in preparing officers to combat cyber threats.
- Private Sector and International Partners: The research illustrates the importance of public-private partnerships and international cooperation in addressing cyber security challenges. It encourages the private sector and international partners to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in supporting cyber security education and enhancing the overall cyber security framework in Nigeria. These partnerships can lead to resource sharing, joint training initiatives, and improved technological support for the police force.
- General Public: The study aims to increase public awareness and trust in the police's ability to handle cybercrimes effectively. By demonstrating the positive impact of enhanced cyber security education on policing, the research can help build public confidence in the police force. This, in turn, fosters greater community support for cyber security initiatives and encourages public cooperation in reporting and preventing cybercrimes.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the awareness of cyber security and education programme impact on sustainable policing in Nigeria.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Cyber Security:
Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2023).
Cyber crime:
Cyber crime encompasses criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the internet. Common types of cyber crime include hacking, identity theft, phishing, and the distribution of malware (Interpol, 2023).
Cyber Security Awareness:
Cyber security awareness involves the knowledge and understanding of potential cyber threats and the actions required to mitigate these risks. It includes educating individuals and organizations about the importance of cyber security practices and how to implement them effectively (SANS Institute, 2023).
