The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes and hacking operations.
The foreign nationals, primarily from China and Malaysia, were apprehended alongside their Nigerian collaborators in a strategic raid conducted in Abuja.
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.
According to a police statement, the suspects were involved in activities that posed a threat to Nigeria’s national security.
Led by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Benneth Igweh of Zone 7 Headquarters, the raid was conducted on Saturday, November 3, 2024. Officers from the Zone 7 Command Abuja, in collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC), executed the operation after weeks of intelligence gathering.
The suspects, comprising 87 foreign males and 26 foreign females, along with four Nigerian males and 13 Nigerian females, were arrested on the spot.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the bust in a statement, adding that authorities are “scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered” from the operation.
Adejobi assured the public that the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. The police are continuing their probe and will provide updates on the case in due course.
