Nigeria Police have arrested 113 foreign nationals for cybercrime, marking a major breakthrough in combating digital fraud in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has made significant strides in combating cybercrime with the arrest of 113 foreign nationals involved in a series of high-profile internet frauds and marketing scams.
This operation, carried out by the Zone 7 Command and the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), highlights the growing international threat posed by sophisticated cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders.
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On 3rd November 2024, operatives arrested the suspects in Jahi, a suburb of Abuja, following an extensive investigation into their cybercrime activities.
The NPF-NCCC uncovered a trove of digital evidence linking the group to various illegal operations, including unauthorized data breaches and fraudulent online schemes.
The recovery of these materials included a range of high-tech equipment, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers, and servers, all believed to have been instrumental in the syndicate’s cybercrimes.
The seized items also included a Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, gaming consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5, and other specialised equipment like drones and high-capacity servers.
In addition, multiple international passports, SIM cards, and travel documents were recovered, adding weight to the investigation’s findings.
The sophistication of the operation reveals the global scale of cybercriminal activities, which are increasingly targeting businesses, individuals, and even governments.
These international fraudsters are using advanced technology to carry out a range of criminal activities, from data breaches to marketing scams, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in securing cyberspace.
Following the investigation, the 113 suspects have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing serious charges including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration.
The charges also hint at possible involvement in human trafficking networks, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the case.
In response to this breakthrough, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, expressed confidence in the NPF’s ability to address the growing challenge of cybercrime.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to leveraging technological advancements to safeguard citizens both physically and digitally,” said Egbetokun.
He further emphasised that the Force would continue to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to tackle cybercrime and hold perpetrators accountable under Nigerian law.
