Bridging the Gap: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Cybercrime and Cybersecurity in Nigeria

• In Event: Opportunity in a Changing World: Cybercrime, COVID-19, and the Gender Gap

Abstract

Cybercrime poses a serious and escalating threat to Nigeria’s digital landscape, affecting individuals, businesses, and national security. This study uses a mixed-method approach to explore cybercrime trends, victim experiences, law enforcement responses, and cybersecurity challenges. It combines quantitative data from victims with qualitative insights from law enforcement and policymakers. Grounded in Routine Activity Theory (RAT), the research analyzes how lapses in capable guardianship contribute to cybercriminal activity.
Quantitative findings, supported by descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, reveal that financial fraud, phishing, and hacking are the most common offenses. Alarmingly, 53.64% of victims choose not to report incidents due to distrust in law enforcement and delays in the legal process. Thematic analysis of qualitative data highlights significant enforcement challenges, including limited resources, poor inter-agency coordination, and outdated digital forensic tools.
Although Nigeria has established cybercrime legislation, the study identifies a significant gap between policy formulation and actual enforcement. Stakeholders emphasize the urgent need for legal reform, increased cybersecurity awareness, and stronger collaboration between public and private sectors. Drawing on global cybersecurity models, the research advocates for proactive, technology-driven approaches to enhance cyber resilience. Ultimately, the study offers policy recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity infrastructure and guide future research.

Author

• Olumuyiwa Soyele, Texas Southern University