Nigeria Police Arrest 113 Foreign Nationals in Major Cybercrime Operation

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reported the successful outcome of an operation conducted by officers from the Zone 7 Command and the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday by Police spokesman ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi via X, it was revealed that the operation led to the arrest of 113 foreign nationals involved in sophisticated cybercrime activities, including internet fraud and marketing scams.

The arrests took place on November 3, 2024, in the Jahi area of Abuja, where substantial evidence crucial to the syndicate’s cyber operations was uncovered.

Items recovered during the operation included:

• A Toyota Tundra vehicle
• Multiple laptops, smartphones, and tablets
• High-capacity servers, routers, and drones
• Specialized cyber equipment and game consoles
• Identity cards, passports, and travel documents
• Central processing units and communication devices

The statement added, “As a follow-up to the investigation and recoveries, compiled with credible evidence against the suspects, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arraigned the 113 foreign nationals facing serious charges, including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.”

The NPF confirmed that the arraignment followed extensive investigations that uncovered the suspects’ involvement in a range of criminal activities, including cybercrime, immigration offenses, and human trafficking networks.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to working closely with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track and prosecute cybercriminals, combat cybercrime, and tackle transnational criminal activities, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law.