The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre NC3) has on the 13th March 2023, donated computer items to the Sierra Leone Police at their police Headquarters in Freetown.
The donation was done by the Coordinator of the Center Mrs. Mariama Yormah to the Sierra Leone Police as a way to enhance the capability of the police to carry out the detection and investigation of cyber crimes in and out of Sierra Leone. The donations were received by AIG Brima Jah on behalf of the Sierra Leone Police.
The items donated include, Laptops, write blockers, multi-ultra block forensic card reader, docking stations, flash drives, and faraday bags.
Mrs. Yormah in her brief statement highlighted the need to ensure the cyberspace is protected and safer for users. She said, the Cybersecurity and Crime Act was enacted by parliament in 2021 to ensure digital crimes are nipped in the bud.
“We are aware of the proliferation of social media and the threat it poses on national security and the human well-being. So, it’s imperative to put laws in place that ensure the saver use of the internet just like how physical crimes are handled by law. These cyber crimes are not only perpetrated in country but also by other people domicile in other countries, that’s why international cooperation is key in making our work easy.” she explained.
She continued to hail the collaboration she has enjoyed with the Sierra Leone Police as key partner to ensure the work of the center is actualized. According to Mrs. Yormah, they have trained police officers in the past weeks to capacitate them in understanding the law and how to handle cyber crimes.
AIG Brima Jah applauded the donations and assured NC3 of their continued commitments in the fight against cyber crimes.
Sierra Leone enacted the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021 in order to respect international commitments made during the landing of the fibre optic in Sierra Leone. This is in line with the Budapest Convention, Malabo and Ecowas Directives.
