The newly appointed Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), Commissioner of Police Akaninyene Ezima, has issued a stern warning to cybercriminals, declaring that intensified enforcement measures are imminent.

Ezima, a seasoned officer with more than 30 years of service in the Nigeria Police Force, assumes leadership at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rising cyber threats and digital crimes. His appointment is viewed as a strategic effort to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity response.

Having joined the Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ezima has built a track record of professionalism and operational effectiveness. He has held several high-profile roles, including Deputy Commissioner of Police at Zone 17 Criminal Investigation Department in Akure.

He also served in key leadership capacities at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), overseeing zonal operations in Ibadan, Lagos, Benin, and Kano. His time at the commission was marked by notable anti-corruption initiatives that earned him commendations.

Before his latest appointment, Ezima was Commissioner of Police at the Force Intelligence Department Annex in Lagos, where he enhanced intelligence-led policing efforts.

He succeeds Assistant Inspector General of Police Uche Ifeanyi Henry, the pioneer head of the NPF-NCCC, who has been promoted and reassigned to lead the Department of Training and Development at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

With his new role, Ezima is expected to drive efforts to curb cybercrime, reinforce digital security systems, and improve the Police Force’s capacity to respond to evolving online threats nationwide.