Nigerian cybersecurity firm SudoForce has emerged as the Cybersecurity Startup of the Year at the 2026 Cybersecurity Merit Awards held on May 7 in Abuja.

The award was presented during the Cybersecurity Merit Awards organised by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN).

The Cybersecurity Merit Awards follows growing concerns over rising cyber threats and the urgent need for stronger digital security systems across Nigeria and Africa at large.

Speaking after receiving the award, Founder and cybersecurity expert, Moses Joshua, described the recognition as both an honour and a challenge to maintain higher standards within the industry.

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“Winning this award is both a recognition and a responsibility. It validates the work we’ve done in strengthening cyber capabilities, but more importantly, it raises the standard we must now consistently meet,” he said.

“For us, this is not just about celebrating excellence; it is a call to deepen our impact. It reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, intelligence-led cybersecurity services and reminds us that there is no room for complacency.”

Founded in 2022, SudoForce began as a cybersecurity talent development initiative before expanding into broader cybersecurity and digital resilience services.

One of the company’s flagship solutions is SudoSIM, a cyber crisis simulation platform developed to help organisations assess their preparedness for cyber incidents through simulated response exercises.

According to the company, the platform enables institutions to identify vulnerabilities, improve incident coordination, and strengthen their overall response frameworks against cyber attacks.

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Cybersecurity consultant, Ruth Sam-Mbok, said the rapid growth in digital adoption across sectors has significantly increased exposure to sophisticated cyber threats.

“Cybersecurity is no longer optional. Digital trust is foundational to economic and national stability,” she said.

“As digital adoption accelerates across sectors, organisations are exposed to increasingly sophisticated threats driven by artificial intelligence and highly organised threat actors. Early detection, contextual understanding of threats, and informed decision-making are now critical capabilities.”

She added that the company combines technology with human expertise to support organisations in areas such as threat analysis, governance, compliance, and incident response preparedness.

Also speaking, Business Development Associate, Obi Tochukwu Glory, identified low investment in cybersecurity and the preference for foreign technology solutions as some of the major challenges facing local cybersecurity startups.

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“One major issue is the limited prioritisation of cybersecurity, as many organisations still see it as a cost rather than a strategic investment,” he said.

“There is also a strong preference for foreign solutions, which creates barriers for local startups. We addressed this by positioning SudoForce as both a local and global player while demonstrating that indigenous expertise can meet international standards.”

The company said it plans to expand its cybersecurity capabilities while continuing to support organisations and government institutions in strengthening digital resilience and cyber preparedness.

S also urged businesses and institutions to improve cybersecurity awareness, conduct regular security audits, and adopt stronger digital safety practices as cyber threats continue to evolve globally.