As cybercrimes become increasingly sophisticated and digital fraud continues to threaten individuals, businesses and public institutions, cybersecurity experts have stressed that the strongest line of defence is no longer technology alone, but an informed and vigilant citizenry. This formed the core message at the maiden edition of Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism, and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV) Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, held virtually through YouTube channel on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
The virtual campaign, streamed Live on YouTube, is part of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund’s expanding public security enlightenment initiatives aimed at strengthening digital resilience among residents. It served as a platform for security professionals, cybersecurity specialists and technology experts to equip young people with practical strategies for protecting their identities and staying safe online.
According to global cybersecurity reports, cybercrime is projected to cost the world over $10 trillion annually, while identity theft, phishing attacks and online financial fraud continue to rise across Africa. This is as internet adoption expands on the continent with the youngest population globally. Nigeria has equally witnessed increasing incidents of data breaches, online scams and digital identity theft, making public education an essential component of modern security.
In his remarks on the cybersecurity programme, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan highlighted that the realities of modern security demand that governments protect citizens not only on the streets but also in cyberspace. “Security has evolved beyond protecting physical spaces. Today, safeguarding our digital identities is equally important because criminals no longer need to confront their victims physically before causing devastating harm. Every Lagos resident must become security conscious both offline and online. This means that your Cybersecurity Begins With You. Protect Your Digital Identity before a criminal gets to you.”
Dr. Ogunsan noted that the LSSTF remains committed to proactive security interventions that empower citizens with knowledge capable of preventing crime before it occurs. “Our investment in security goes beyond providing equipment and supporting law enforcement agencies. We are equally committed to building informed communities because an educated citizen is far more difficult for criminals, whether on the streets or on the internet, to exploit. Prevention will always remain the first victory against crime.”
The State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, explained that the campaign was conceived in response to the alarming rise in cybercrime affecting ordinary Nigerians. Citing available national statistics, he noted that thousands of cyber-related incidents are reported annually, with billions of naira lost to online fraud and identity theft.
According to him, the objective of the initiative is to equip citizens with practical knowledge to recognise cyber threats before they become victims. “The reason why we are here today is because of the prevalence of cybercrime everywhere. From the statistics of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, over 119,000 data breaches were recorded in 2025, and millions were lost to cybercrime, which is becoming a major issue in our community. The internet has created tremendous opportunities, but it has also created new avenues for criminals. This programme is designed to ensure that Lagos residents can identify cyber fraud, protect their identities and navigate the digital space safely.”
Delivering the keynote presentation on “Staying Safe in the Digital World,” cybersecurity consultant, Mrs. Oluwabamise Soile-Oyediran challenged the common assumption that activities on the internet are detached from real life while strongly disabusing the minds of youths from that false belief.
According to her, every online action contributes to an individual’s digital identity and can expose people to criminals if not properly managed. “The internet is real life in a digital environment. Everything you share online becomes part of your digital identity, and that identity can be exploited if you fail to protect it.”
She explained that personal information such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, biometrics, locations, bank details and social media profiles constitute Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and should never be carelessly disclosed online.
Warning against oversharing on social media, she added: “Privacy is your right. If the government has enacted data protection laws to safeguard your personal information, then you also have a responsibility to protect yourself. Not everything belongs on the internet.”
Mrs. Soile-Oyediran urged participants to regularly review application permissions, disable unnecessary access to microphones, cameras and location services, use strong unique passwords, activate multi-factor authentication, verify website security before entering personal information and remain suspicious of unsolicited messages requesting confidential details.
Taking participants through practical fraud scenarios, cybersecurity educator Mr. Meshole Emmanuel demonstrated how criminals manipulate emotions through fake bank alerts, phishing emails, WhatsApp hijacking, cloned social media accounts and fraudulent loan applications.
He warned that cybercriminals deliberately exploit urgency and trust to deceive unsuspecting victims. “If an attacker has your phone number, account details or personal information, the first question you should ask yourself is: what can they do with it? That simple question can save you from becoming a victim.”
He cautioned participants never to act solely on screenshots or SMS notifications. “Always verify transactions directly from your banking application before releasing money or goods. AI can generate convincing receipts within seconds, but it cannot create money inside your bank account.”
Emmanuel also advised Nigerians to avoid sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), ignore requests for verification codes, scrutinise website addresses carefully before clicking links and exercise caution when downloading mobile loan applications that demand excessive permissions.
Another major takeaway from the session was the growing importance of digital discipline. Speakers encouraged parents to protect children’s online privacy, avoid posting excessive personal information on social media and educate family members about emerging cyber threats.
Participants described the interactive campaign as highly effective and practical, particularly given the increasing sophistication of online scams targeting individuals, businesses and government institutions.
With initiatives such as the LSSTF-CACCOV Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, Lagos State continues to broaden its security strategy beyond conventional policing by equipping residents with the knowledge needed to defend themselves in an increasingly connected world.
