The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 130 foreign nationals, primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin, along with 17 Nigerian collaborators, for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes and hacking activities in Nigeria. These arrests include 87 males and 26 females among the foreign nationals, and 4 males and 13 females among the Nigerians. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters, disclosed these allegations.
The suspects are accused of engaging in activities that threaten national security and a thorough investigation is currently underway. In a statement titled “IGP Orders Thorough Investigation into Possible Security Threats, Networking,” it was emphasized that the suspects’ alleged activities would be rigorously examined. The strategic operation leading to these arrests was carried out through a coordinated raid on a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja.
The suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities. The operation was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, November 3, 2024. It involved officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
Cybercrime crackdown in Abuja
Adejobi stated that police operatives are currently investigating the matter and scientifically analyzing the exhibits recovered from the suspects. He assured Nigerians that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of police investigations and that updates on the outcome would be provided as necessary.
While the police statements against the suspects remain allegations at this stage, the stance on cybercrime offenses in court has been stringent. On August 16, 2024, the legal team of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to deny bail to five suspects who allegedly conspired to illegally access JAMB’s restricted Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and e-facility between 2023 and 2024. The suspects are accused of deleting candidates’ previous admission letters and inputting inauthentic admission letters into tertiary institutions, thereby facilitating mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
The IGP’s counsel, Victor Okoye, instituted the pending case against the suspects under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/312/2024. At a recent event, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Chief Executive Officer at the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), stated that cybercrime remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with businesses facing an alarming average of 2,560 cyber attacks each week. The police are committed to safeguarding digital spaces and protecting citizens from online criminal activities.
The actions and investigations of the Nigeria Police Force underscore the serious approach being taken towards combating cybercrime in the country.
