Cybersecurity Begins With You, Protect Your Digital Identity ….. Ogunsan
LSSTF-CACCOV launches maiden statewide cybersafety campaign, equips Lagos residents with practical tools against online fraud
As cybercriminals deploy increasingly sophisticated tactics to target individuals, businesses and public institutions, cybersecurity experts have stressed that technology alone cannot guarantee digital safety, insisting that an informed and vigilant citizenry remains the strongest line of defence.
This was the central message at the maiden edition of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV) Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, held virtually via YouTube on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
The campaign, which forms part of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund’s expanding public security enlightenment initiatives, was designed to strengthen digital resilience among residents and equip young people with practical knowledge to protect their identities and navigate the online environment safely.
The virtual programme brought together security professionals, cybersecurity specialists and technology experts who addressed emerging digital threats, including identity theft, phishing, online financial fraud, fake bank alerts, WhatsApp hijacking, cloned social media accounts and fraudulent loan applications.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said the changing nature of crime required security stakeholders to expand their focus beyond physical spaces to include the digital environment.
“Security has evolved beyond protecting physical spaces. Today, safeguarding our digital identities is equally important because criminals no longer need to confront their victims physically before causing devastating harm.
“Every Lagos resident must become security-conscious both offline and online. This means that your cybersecurity begins with you. Protect your digital identity before a criminal gets to you,” he said.
Ogunsan noted that the LSSTF’s security interventions go beyond the provision of equipment and support for law enforcement agencies, stressing that public enlightenment and community empowerment are equally critical to crime prevention.
“Our investment in security goes beyond providing equipment and supporting law enforcement agencies. We are equally committed to building informed communities because an educated citizen is far more difficult for criminals, whether on the streets or on the internet, to exploit.
“Prevention will always remain the first victory against crime,” he added.
The State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, explained that the campaign was conceived in response to the growing impact of cybercrime on ordinary Nigerians.
He said the initiative was aimed at helping residents recognise cyber threats before falling victim to them, noting that the rapid expansion of internet use had also created new opportunities for criminals.
“The reason why we are here today is because of the prevalence of cybercrime everywhere. The internet has created tremendous opportunities, but it has also created new avenues for criminals.
“This programme is designed to ensure that Lagos residents can identify cyber fraud, protect their identities and navigate the digital space safely,” Oladimeji said.
Delivering a keynote presentation titled “Staying Safe in the Digital World,” cybersecurity consultant, Mrs. Oluwabamise Soile-Oyediran, challenged the widespread belief that online activities are separate from real life.
According to her, every online activity contributes to an individual’s digital identity and could expose users to criminals if not properly managed.
“The internet is real life in a digital environment. Everything you share online becomes part of your digital identity, and that identity can be exploited if you fail to protect it,” she said.
She identified names, telephone numbers, email addresses, biometric information, locations, bank details and social media profiles as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), warning participants against careless disclosure of such information online.
Soile-Oyediran also urged residents to regularly review application permissions, disable unnecessary access to microphones, cameras and location services, use strong and unique passwords, activate multi-factor authentication and verify website security before entering sensitive information.
“Privacy is your right. If the government has enacted data protection laws to safeguard your personal information, then you also have a responsibility to protect yourself. Not everything belongs on the internet,” she added.
In a practical demonstration of common fraud schemes, cybersecurity educator, Mr. Meshole Emmanuel, took participants through scenarios involving fake bank alerts, phishing emails, WhatsApp hijacking, cloned social media accounts and fraudulent loan applications.
He explained that cybercriminals often manipulate emotions such as fear, urgency and trust to deceive unsuspecting victims.
“If an attacker has your phone number, account details or personal information, the first question you should ask yourself is: what can they do with it? That simple question can save you from becoming a victim,” he said.
Emmanuel further warned participants against relying solely on screenshots or SMS notifications as evidence of payment.
“Always verify transactions directly from your banking application before releasing money or goods. AI can generate convincing receipts within seconds, but it cannot create money inside your bank account,” he said.
He also advised Nigerians never to share one-time passwords (OTPs) or verification codes, to scrutinise website addresses before clicking links and to exercise caution when downloading mobile loan applications that demand excessive permissions.
A major takeaway from the campaign was the need for greater digital discipline among individuals and families. Speakers urged parents to protect children’s online privacy, avoid oversharing personal information on social media and educate family members about emerging cyber threats.
Participants described the interactive campaign as practical and timely, particularly in view of the growing sophistication of online scams targeting individuals, businesses and government institutions.
Through initiatives such as the LSSTF-CACCOV Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, Lagos State is broadening its security strategy beyond conventional policing by empowering residents with the knowledge and awareness required to protect themselves in an increasingly connected world.