The Directorate of Cybersecurity successfully hosted the Defence Space Administration’s First Bi-Annual Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Drill 2025 on Tuesday, 24th June 2025 at the Irabor Multipurpose Hall, DSA Headquarters, Abuja.
The event themed “Enhancing Cyber Capabilities to Strengthen Security Sector Red Team and Digital Forensic Operations,” was a strategic initiative aimed at testing, refining and strengthening the cyber capabilities of security personnel through hands-on collaboration and simulation.
The host Director, Director of Cybersecurity, Rear Admiral IU Ubani in his welcome address, emphasized the significance of the CERT Drill as a timely and vital opportunity to boost cybersecurity readiness across the security sector. He also expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA) for approving two CERT Drills for the year 2025.
Delivering the Opening Remarks, the CDSA, Air Vice Marshal LI Oluwatoyin, emphasized that cyber defence is no longer an option but a core component of national resilience and operational preparedness. He charged participants to approach the CERT Drill with seriousness, foster teamwork, share knowledge, and commit to collective progress in advancing national digital security. He further commended the Directorate of Cybersecurity for its leadership in organizing the drill.
The CERT Team Lead, Mr Royal Eke from the Directorate of Cybersecurity, gave a concise briefing on the structure and objectives of the drill exercise. The CERT Drill commenced with teams undergoing a series of coordinated cybersecurity challenges. Upon completion, a debrief session was held where selected observers gave their assessments and recommendations. They praised the teams for their performance and professionalism and extended their appreciation to the CDSA for supporting the initiative.
The event recorded the participation of over 57 personnel, drawn from various agencies including the NDLEA, EFCC, NPF, DSS, NSCDC, NASRDA, DHQ,ONSA,NHQ,DIA amongst others. Participants were divided into four teams for the practical drill, while four observers, two each from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria(CSEAN) were officially invited to monitor and evaluate the exercise.
The successful execution of the First Bi-Annual CERT Drill marks a significant milestone in the DSA’s cybersecurity efforts and reinforces the Administration’s leadership in advancing national cyber defence.
The highlight of the event was the group photograph taken outside the main building, capturing the presence of the CDSA, Directors, DSA top management team, invited guests, observers and participants.
