By Ifeoluwa Olakunle

In a landmark gathering that underscored the evolving landscape of national security, the Institute of Security and Forensic Studies Nigeria (ISFSN) convened its 18th Annual Conference at the prestigious National Merit Award House, Abuja.

The event brought together a cross-section of forensic scientists, intelligence operatives, cybersecurity experts, legal analysts, and policy architects. Dr. (Amb.) Okocha M. Morgan, Director General of the Institute, described cyber-forensics as the fulcrum of modern security strategy, critical to dissecting and neutralising sophisticated digital criminality.

The conference drew prominent stakeholders from across Nigeria’s security and law enforcement spectrum, reflecting the country’s growing urgency to enhance digital investigative capabilities and protect critical national infrastructure from emerging cyber threats.

Addressing the theme, “Cyber-Forensics: New Methods to Track and Analyse Online Activities,” Dr. Morgan emphasised that the shift of criminal enterprises into virtual spaces—via encrypted networks, anonymised identities, and complex digital platforms—requires an equally sophisticated investigative response. He warned that conventional policing methods alone are no longer sufficient to counter the dynamism of cyber-enabled crime.

He highlighted that advanced forensic methodologies, integrating behavioural analytics, digital footprint tracing, and data retrieval techniques, are essential for generating actionable intelligence and credible evidence admissible in judicial proceedings. “The digital frontier is now the frontline of security operations,” Dr. Morgan asserted.

A signature moment of the conference was the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees, United Nations Eminent Ambassador Awards, and professional certifications on select individuals, celebrating their contributions to security, governance, and global development. The ceremony reflected ISFSN’s commitment to recognising excellence and fostering professional leadership in the field.

Dr. Morgan also called on attendees and the broader professional community to engage in specialised training programmes offered by the Institute, underscoring that continuous professional development and capacity building are indispensable in strengthening national and institutional resilience.

He further articulated ISFSN’s interdisciplinary mandate, which spans forensic and security studies, aviation and aerospace information management, detective investigation and legal studies, and oil and gas exploration technology, positioning the Institute as a hub for applied research, innovation, and integrated security solutions.

Conference participants commended ISFSN’s eighteen-year legacy of advancing forensic intelligence, investigative excellence, and professional standards, noting that the annual gathering serves as a critical forum for cross-sector collaboration, policy dialogue, and thought leadership in national security.

The conclave concluded with calls for enhanced cyber-forensic infrastructure, strategic partnerships across agencies, and targeted investment in cybersecurity education, reinforcing the imperative that Nigeria must adopt a proactive and technologically driven approach to counter digital threats and fortify its security apparatus.