In an effort to address the escalating cases of cyber-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence (CFSGBV), the Nigeria Police have issued a stern warning to citizens, particularly the youth, about the potential dangers associated with using dating apps.
The cautionary message was delivered by Uche Henry, the Director of the National Cybercrime Centre, during an event organized by the Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI) in collaboration with the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation.
The event, held in Abuja on Monday, marked the commencement of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Henry highlighted the increasing number of reports received by the police regarding victims of cybercrime, emphasizing the need for heightened caution when using dating apps.
He revealed that law enforcement has implemented various strategies to combat cybercrime and sextortion, resulting in several arrests and successful prosecutions.
“We started having lots of victims from Nigeria coming to report about being victims of cybercrime and sextortion. So, we channeled our attention on how to curb this menace, which we are actually doing a lot and recorded a lot of successes,” stated Henry.
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The director urged individuals to exercise caution when interacting on dating apps, cautioning against sharing sensitive information and personal images.
He warned that scammers often pose as individuals seeking romantic connections and later resort to extortion.
“When you are visiting dating apps one needs to be very careful because some of them pretend to be ladies and girls, and when they gain your confidence, they start extorting, asking for your nude pictures. Once the scammers start to preach love and a sense of urgency, within one to two weeks, demand for money is like a red flag,” Henry advised.
The Executive Director of SGAI, Mufuliat Fijabi, emphasized the need to address CFSGBV issues within cyberspace.
Fijabi expressed concerns about the lack of attention given to acts of sexual and gender-based violence committed online, citing potential repercussions such as mental health issues, social withdrawal, and impacts on careers.
“We want a situation where more youths, more parents, stakeholders, and people tap into the need to continue to advocate against the occurrence of this kind of violence in cyberspace. The violence sometimes leads to mental issues, withdrawal, and career, among others,” Fijabi stated.
As the 16 days of activism unfold, Nigerian authorities aim to raise awareness about the risks associated with online interactions and encourage a safer digital environment for all citizens.
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