The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced that 113 foreign nationals are being prosecuted following their arrest by the Police National Cybercrime Center (NCCC) for their involvement in a highly sophisticated cybercrime network. The suspects were apprehended on November 3, 2024, in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, marking a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime.
During the operation, the police uncovered a large cache of digital equipment used to perpetrate their illegal activities. Among the items seized were a black Toyota Tundra vehicle, an assortment of laptops, smartphones, tablets, desktops, and high-capacity servers.
Other recovered devices included advanced networking tools such as MTN, Huawei, Airtel, D-Link, and Starlink routers, alongside a Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console, drones, and specialized cybercrime equipment. Authorities also confiscated international passports, identity cards, SIM cards from various service providers, and travel documents.
The Inspector General disclosed that these tools were suspected to have been used for unauthorized data breaches, elaborate marketing scams, and other illicit activities that posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s cyberspace and economy.
Read Also: FCT minister advocates more investment in local film industry
In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the suspects have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges include computer-related fraud, unauthorized access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration.
IGP Egbetokun commended the efforts of the NCCC and Zone 7 Command operatives, whose meticulous planning led to the dismantling of this international syndicate. He revealed that the group was also linked to human trafficking operations, further emphasizing the gravity of their crimes. Highlighting the global nature of cybercrime, the IGP noted the growing sophistication of these syndicates and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat their activities effectively.
The Inspector General reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to fighting cybercrime and assured Nigerians that the authorities would hold perpetrators accountable under the law. He stressed the importance of working with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track down transnational cybercriminals and disrupt their operations.
