September 3, 2025
Diplomatic Relations General

UK Reiterates Support for Nigeria in Fight Against Cybercrime, Pledges Technical Aid and Intelligence Collaboration

The United Kingdom has restated its strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria in the battle against rising cyber threats and digital insecurity. This renewed assurance comes as part of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, which continues to evolve in response to the growing complexities of cybersecurity in both countries.
In a statement released following recent high-level engagements between British and Nigerian officials, the UK government pledged to deepen collaboration by providing technical assistance, enhancing intelligence sharing, and supporting capacity-building efforts within Nigeria’s digital and law enforcement institutions.
British authorities acknowledged the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal networks operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders, noting that such threats pose significant risks to national security, economic development, and public trust in digital systems. To counter these dangers, the UK is offering Nigeria access to advanced cyber defence tools, specialised training for cybersecurity personnel, and strategic guidance to improve the country’s cyber resilience.

The British High Commission in Abuja emphasized that the initiative reflects the shared interest of both nations in promoting digital stability and safeguarding cyberspace. The cooperation also aligns with Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Policy, which outlines a framework for securing the country’s digital infrastructure and addressing cyber-enabled crimes such as fraud, identity theft, and ransomware attacks.

Officials further noted that this partnership goes beyond government institutions, extending support to critical sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and education, all of which are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Through a combination of policy engagement, technical exchange, and operational coordination, the UK aims to help Nigeria strengthen its ability to detect, deter, and respond to cyber threats in real time.

This latest development builds on earlier collaborations, including joint exercises, advisory support, and shared intelligence on transnational cybercrime syndicates. Both countries have expressed their readiness to scale up efforts in line with international best practices, with a focus on promoting a secure digital ecosystem that fosters innovation, economic growth, and public trust.

As digital transformation accelerates across Nigeria and the African continent at large, the UK’s renewed pledge underscores the global nature of cybersecurity challenges and the importance of strategic alliances in addressing them effectively.