Police arrest 113 foreign nationals, others over cybercrime

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested no fewer than 130 suspects for “high-level” cybercrimes.

Among the suspects are 113 foreign nationals, comprising 87 males and 26 females, from China and Malaysia.

A statement, yesterday, by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, added that 17 of the suspects were Nigerian.
He said the suspects were arrested in a building at the Next Cash and Carry area in the Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Adejobi said the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.

He said, “The NPF has arrested 130 suspects comprising 113 foreign nationals (87 males and 26 females), primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and their 17 Nigerian collaborators (four males and 13 females) for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking and activities that threaten national security.

“This strategic operation was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.”

The Guardian gathered that the operation, which was led by the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, November 3, 2024, comprised officers of NPF Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).”

The police spokesman stated that the police were analysing the exhibits recovered from the suspects.

“We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered from them. The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of our investigations.

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