THE EFFECTS OF CYBERCRIME ON NIGERIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY: EVIDENCE FROM GOMBE STATE, NORTH- EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of illegal activities, including online fraud,identity theft, hacking, cyber espionage, misinformation and cyber-attacks against individuals,businesses, and government institutions. The challenges posed by cybercrime to Nigeria’s nationalsecurity are indeed worrisome and thus call for concerted efforts of the major stakeholders acrossthe government agencies. The menace is so obvious that it enormously affects Nigeria’s nationalsecurity. The study adopts a qualitative research method utilising both primary and secondarysources of data. The primary data were obtained through key informant interviews with fourteen(14) persons purposively selected from relevant agencies and institutions involved in cybercrimeand national security. The documentary analysis was equally utilized to augment data obtained fromthe key informant interview in order to ascertain the validity and reliability of the data collected.The secondary data consist of books, journals, and internet sources. Digital EcosystemVulnerability Theory was utilized as a theoretical framework. The study findings reveal thatcybercrime is increasing rapidly in Nigeria undetected, affecting its critical national infrastructure,causing prolonged terrorism, and affecting national security. The study recommends that raisingpublic awareness about cyber security risks and best practices ensuring adequate funding for cybersecurity initiatives, fostering robust partnerships between the government, private sector, and civilsociety organizations and by uniting these sectors, Nigeria can build a more resilient and securedigital environment that not only protects the country