Will Nigeria become China's new gateway for combating cybercrime in Africa?
Intelligence sharing and joint training top the agenda of cooperation between Abuja and Beijing
Written by: Mohammed Omran
In light of escalating cyber threats and the growing activities of transnational organized crime, the trend is Nigeria China will strengthen their security and intelligence cooperation by expanding training programs and exchanging information and police expertise.
Intelligence sharing and joint training top the agenda of cooperation between Abuja and Beijing
This rapprochement raises questions about the ability of the partnership between the two countries to confront the growing cybercrime, protect economic and investment interests, and enhance security in one of Africa’s most active regions in terms of digital transformation and international trade.
With the rapid digital transformation in Africa, cybercrime has become one of the most prominent security challenges facing governments and law enforcement agencies, which has prompted both countries to give this issue special priority within the framework of bilateral cooperation.
Nigeria’s Second Police Command and China’s Shandong Provincial Public Security Department have strengthened their cooperation in combating cybercrime, exchanging intelligence and cross-border security operations, during a visit by a Chinese delegation to the Second Police Command headquarters in Onikane, Lagos.
The Chinese delegation was headed by Zhang Yubo, Deputy Director-General of the Public Security Bureau of Shandong, who affirmed his country’s commitment to continuing to support cooperation with the Nigerian police through training, sharing of experiences and intelligence, and implementing joint security initiatives.
Yobo explained that the security relations between the two sides are based on a cooperation and exchange agreement signed in 2019, and have since contributed to the implementation of a number of training programs for Nigerian police officers, noting that the current visit aims to renew the partnership and deepen cooperation in confronting cybercrime and transnational crime.
He noted that the visit aims to renew relations and deepen cooperation in combating transnational crime and cybercrime through bilateral exchanges and the sharing of intelligence information.
The Chinese official stressed that protecting Chinese companies and individuals working in Nigeria is one of the main objectives of this cooperation, along with supporting the growing economic and cultural relations between the two countries.
Yubo said that China is committed to deepening cooperation with the Nigerian police force through training programs, intelligence sharing and joint security initiatives, which will contribute to improving the effectiveness of responding to modern security threats.
Tangible results since 2019
For his part, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Commander of the Second District, Oluhundari Jimoh, described the visit as an important milestone in the growing relationship between the police forces of the two countries.
He noted that cooperation actually began in 2019 when former Deputy Inspector General of Police Lawal Shihu participated in a training program at the Shandong Police College, and since then the relationship has witnessed continuous development through regular training courses and professional exchanges.
He added that these programs have contributed to enhancing the professional and operational capabilities of Nigerian officers, and have provided them with opportunities to learn about the latest methods and technologies used in the fields of public security and crime prevention.
Nigerian officers trained in China
Jimoh revealed that 17 senior officers from the Second Region Command participated during 2025 in a two-week public security training program in Jinan, China.
He explained that the training delegation was led by Deputy Police Commissioner Olubode Fakii from the Regional Criminal Investigation Department, stressing that the program contributed significantly to developing the operational efficiency of officers and enhancing their ability to provide more effective security services within the Nigerian police.
A partnership that goes beyond security
Cooperation between Nigeria and China extends beyond security to include growing economic and investment interests. China is one of Nigeria's largest trading partners, and the West African nation hosts significant Chinese investment in infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors.
In this context, observers believe that strengthening security cooperation is an important factor in protecting common interests and providing a more stable environment for business and investment, especially in light of the increasing security challenges posed by cybercrime and transnational criminal networks.
As bilateral relations continue to expand, Nigeria and China appear to be betting on building a security cooperation model based on the exchange of expertise, technology and information, in an attempt to keep pace with the new security challenges posed by the changing digital world.
