Police arrest 113 foreigners, 17 Nigerians over cybercrimes

Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force have apprehended over 130 suspects involved in “high-level” cybercrimes. This group includes 113 foreign nationals—comprising 87 males and 26 females—primarily from China and Malaysia, along with 17 Nigerian collaborators.

In a statement released on Sunday by Police Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, it was revealed that the arrests occurred in a building located in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, in the Federal Capital Territory. The suspects were reportedly utilizing advanced computers and other sophisticated devices to carry out their criminal activities.

Adejobi stated, “The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 130 suspects, which includes 113 foreign nationals (87 males and 26 females) and 17 Nigerians (4 males and 13 females), for their alleged roles in high-level cybercrimes and hacking that pose a threat to national security.”

This operation was led by Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, 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).

The police are currently analyzing the evidence collected from the suspects. Adejobi noted, “We are conducting a thorough investigation and scientifically analyzing the exhibits recovered. The suspects will be charged in court once our investigations are complete, and we will keep the public updated on the results.”