Police arrest 113 foreigners, 17 Nigerians for cybercrimes, hacking

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Sunday said it arrested 113 individuals, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, for their alleged involvement in “high-level cybercrimes” and hacking operations.

The foreign suspects, primarily of Chinese and Malaysian descent, comprise 87 males and 26 females, while the Nigerian suspects include four males and 13 females.

The force’s spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the suspects were also arrested for their alleged involvement in activities that “threaten national security.”

The police said the operation took place at a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where the suspects were reportedly using sophisticated devices to carry out illegal cyber activities.

The operation, led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).

Adejobi also disclosed that the force is “scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered” from the suspects.

He added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of their investigations.

“We will update the public on the outcomes of our investigations as and when due,” Adejobi said.