The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to establish a Cybercrime Response Academy designed to rehabilitate convicted Nigerian cybercriminals. The initiative was unveiled by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, during the National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja. The academy aims to redirect the talents of young Nigerians involved in cybercrime toward legitimate opportunities in the digital economy.
The proposed facility will begin with a capacity of 500 participants and is expected to grow to accommodate 2,500. It will offer vocational training, psychological support, and monthly allowances to aid participants’ reintegration into society. According to Olukoyede, the objective is to help young people abandon cybercrime, acquire new skills, and become productive members of the community.
In addition to rehabilitation and skills training, the academy will serve as a preventive measure—educating youth about the risks of cybercrime and the benefits of pursuing legitimate tech-based entrepreneurship.
Olukoyede highlighted the urgency of the initiative by revealing that the EFCC recently dismantled one of the largest cybercrime syndicates operating in Nigeria. In a December 2024 operation, 194 individuals—182 of whom were foreign nationals—were arrested for running fraud schemes using stolen Nigerian identities. He stressed that many of those involved in cybercrime possess valuable technical skills that, if channeled positively, could drive national development.
Participants will receive monthly stipends during their time at the academy to support their transition and reduce the temptation to reoffend. The EFCC expects the academy to become operational next year.
This initiative comes alongside growing international cooperation. The EFCC has strengthened partnerships with global agencies such as the FBI, Interpol, and UK authorities. It has also signed agreements with the FBI and the Cambodian government to enhance intelligence sharing and enforcement efforts against cybercrime networks.
While the initiative has been widely welcomed, its success will depend on sustained funding, effective program design, and the ability to deliver high-quality training. There may also be public skepticism about whether such programs can genuinely reform participants and reduce cybercrime rates.
Still, the EFCC’s plan signals a progressive approach to tackling cybercrime—shifting from punitive measures alone to a more holistic strategy focused on rehabilitation, education, and prevention. If implemented effectively, the Cybercrime Response Academy could provide thousands of young Nigerians with a second chance to rebuild their lives, while strengthening national cybersecurity in the long term.
