The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is strengthening its digital systems and cybersecurity measures to tackle increasingly sophisticated financial crimes, including offences involving the misuse of artificial intelligence.
EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, represented by the commission’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Nwanyinma Okeanu, disclosed this at the second edition of the International Cybersecurity Conference 2026 in Abuja.
The two-day conference, themed “Cyber Resilience in the Age of AI: Defending Minds, Networks and Nations,” brought together policymakers, cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to discuss ways to protect digital systems against emerging threats.
Olukoyede said criminals were increasingly exploiting digital technologies to defraud large numbers of people, transfer funds across international borders and conceal their activities, requiring law enforcement agencies to strengthen their technological capabilities.
“For us in law enforcement, the message is clear: as crime evolves, our response must evolve with it,” he said.
The EFCC chairman said the commission had embarked on a digital transformation programme aimed at reducing manual processes, improving access to information, automating workflows and increasing operational efficiency.
According to him, the initiative has resulted in the development of several digital platforms supporting the commission’s operations, including the e-Petition Platform, Enterprise Case Management System, Fraud Risk Assessment and Management System, and Asset Management System.
He noted, however, that while digital systems create opportunities to improve service delivery and investigations, they also introduce new cybersecurity risks.
“Every new system and digital service creates opportunities, but it also introduces risks,” he said.
Olukoyede said the commission was responding by strengthening network and information security, improving security monitoring and access controls, and enhancing its incident response mechanisms.
The measures are intended to protect the commission’s digital infrastructure and support its ability to investigate financial crimes as offenders increasingly exploit technology to carry out fraudulent activities.
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Also speaking at the conference, Momo Cyprus, chairman of the Defence, Intelligence and Security Committee of the Liberian Senate, called for the responsible use of artificial intelligence to protect citizens, public institutions and national security.
Cyprus, who represents Lofa County in Liberia’s Senate, said AI offered opportunities to improve public services, expand access to education, accelerate research and support African innovators.
He warned, however, that the technology could also be used to spread disinformation, facilitate fraud and undermine public confidence in political institutions.
“Our task is not to fear technological progress, but to ensure that it serves humanity responsibly,” he said.
Citing the 2026 African Cyber Threat Assessment Report by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), Cyprus said cybercrime was becoming more sophisticated, with criminals increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence to enhance their activities.
He called for greater digital literacy, critical thinking, public awareness and responsible communication to help people identify online deception and avoid falling victim to fraud.
“We must encourage every citizen to pause, verify and act carefully before sharing information or responding to suspicious requests,” he said.
Cyprus also highlighted the growing dependence of governments, banks, hospitals, telecommunications systems and energy infrastructure on secure digital networks, warning that weaknesses in these systems could affect essential services.
He said Liberia had taken steps to strengthen its cybersecurity framework through the Cybercrime Act of 2025 and the National Cybersecurity Strategy for 2025 to 2029, which provide a framework for addressing cyber threats and improving implementation of security measures.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop strategies for strengthening cybersecurity, improving digital resilience and responding to emerging threats in an era of rapid technological advancement.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
