Empirical Data from the Case Study on the State of the Art of Cybercrime in Nigeria

Abstract:

The review of literature reveals cybercrime as one of the fastest-growing global security threats, and in emerging economies like Nigeria, the evolution is intricately configured to the rapid growth of internet accessibility, weak regulatory policies, and socio-economic factors. This review analyses the problem of cybercrime in Nigeria with empirical evidence drawn from a case study that attempts to illustrate the complicated growth pattern of cyberspace in Nigeria. The analysis covers three distinct evolution phases: the initial phase of internet penetration through cybercafés (2000 to 2001) and the proliferation of mobile and GSM technology (2001 to 2011), both precursors to the broadband-enabled digital era, which presumably spans 2011 and onwards. These shifts correspond to changes in the level of sophistication of cybercrime which evolved from simple email hoaxes to identity theft and advanced fraud schemes. While adopting these technologies, other issues such as lack of adequate public awareness, regulatory policies, and limited capacity of cybersecurity approaches are equally pressing. Based on these findings, this research introduced the PRAP (Proactive, Reactive, Active, Persuasive)Framework, which can better contextualize Nigeria's cybersecurity needs. The holistic PRAP framework addresses prevention, incident response, threat assessment, prosecution and adapts to Nigeria's social and technical context. This policy is crucial for public and private sector stakeholders concerned with the fight against cybercrime in developing countries.

• Periodical: Engineering Headway (Volume 37)
• Pages: 113-134
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-4giZbf
• Online since: March 2026
• Authors: Afolabi David Adedoyin, Oluseun Damilola Oyeleke*, Olabanji Daniel, Funmilola Ikeolu Fagbola, Lucy Tochukwu Ikonne, Ezekiel Kehinde Adediji
• Keywords: Broadband Networks, Cyber Threat Evolution, Cybercrime, Cybersecurity, Digital Security Policy, Internet Penetration, Nigeria, PRAP Framework

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