Book

Cybercrime Identification and Mitigation in Nigeria: Challenges, Institutional Responses, and a Conceptual Framework The growing dependence on digital technologies, internet banking, and online services has significantly increased cybercrime in Nigeria, threatening individuals, businesses, public institutions, and national security. This book examines major cybercriminal activities, including phishing, identity theft, financial fraud, cyberstalking, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and ransomware attacks, alongside their underlying socioeconomic and institutional causes. It critically evaluates Nigeria's existing cybersecurity legislation and policies, particularly the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, highlighting challenges related to enforcement, institutional coordination, corruption, inadequate funding, and limited cybersecurity awareness. Using a mixed-methods approach involving 400 survey respondents and 20 Key Informant Interviews across relevant institutions in Sokoto State, the study identifies significant gaps in Nigeria's cybercrime prevention and mitigation mechanisms. Grounded in Routine Activity Theory and General Strain Theory, the book proposes a conceptual framework integrating prevention, legal reform, institutional collaboration, capacity building, and public-private partnerships. This work provides valuable insights for researchers, academics, cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, legal practitioners, and law enforcement agencies, contributing to stronger cybersecurity governance and a safer digital environment in Nigeria.