The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed the arrest and ongoing prosecution of 113 foreign nationals for cybercrime in Nigeria and linked the suspects to human trafficking.
The suspects were apprehended on November 3, 2024, in Jahi, a suburb of Abuja.
This operation was carried out by the Police National Cybercrime Center (NCCC).
A wide range of digital devices was seized from the suspects during the raid.
The items include a Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Routers from major telecom brands like MTN, Huawei, Airtel, D-Link, and Starlink were also recovered.
Police operatives also found gaming consoles such as the Sony PlayStation 5.
High-capacity servers, drones, and specialised cybercrime tools were among the items confiscated.
In addition, international passports, identity cards, SIM cards, and travel documents were seized.
“These assets are suspected to have been used for unauthorised data breaches, marketing scams, and other illegal activities,” Egbetokun stated.
He described cybercrime as a growing global threat.
Egbetokun expressed concern over the sophistication and scale of cross-border cybercriminal operations.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, provided further details on the prosecution.
He confirmed that the suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charges include computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, and money laundering.
They are also accused of conspiracy and illegal immigration.
The Inspector-General praised the efforts of the NCCC and Zone 7 Command in dismantling the cybercrime network.
“This network is also linked to human trafficking,” he added.
Egbetokun stressed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fighting cybercrime.
“We will continue to combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity,” he said.
He assured the public that offenders would be held accountable under Nigerian law.
The IGP highlighted the importance of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime.
He confirmed ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies and embassies worldwide.
“This is a fight we cannot win alone,” he noted.
The police operation is seen as a major step forward in protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace.
Cybercrime has become a serious challenge in Nigeria, with frequent reports of online fraud.
Experts believe that sophisticated tools and networks make it difficult to trace cybercriminals.
The NCCC was established to address this growing threat.
It has since conducted several high-profile arrests and investigations.
Analysts have applauded the latest crackdown as a significant victory for law enforcement.
However, some warn that more efforts are needed to secure the digital space.
Egbetokun has promised more proactive measures to counter cybercrime.
He called on citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“This fight requires the support of every Nigerian,” the IGP emphasized.
The suspects now face a lengthy legal process in Nigeria’s courts.
