The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has apprehended 130 individuals suspected of involvement in high-level cybercrime activities, which reportedly pose a significant threat to national security.
Among the suspects are 113 foreign nationals, predominantly from China and Malaysia, including 87 males and 26 females. Additionally, 17 Nigerians—four men and 13 women—are alleged to be local collaborators in the criminal network.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Sunday, describing the operation as a “strategic raid” targeting a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja.
“This strategic operation was conducted through a coordinated raid… where the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities,” Adejobi noted.
The operation, carried out on Saturday, November 3, 2024, was led by AIG Benneth Igweh, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, and included officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
The police disclosed, “We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered from them. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of our investigations,” adding, “We will update the public on the outcomes of our investigations as and when due.”