The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Cybercrime

  • Alleged cybercrime: Fed Govt files charges against ex-Nigeria envoy to Zambia Ominyi, one other

    Alleged cybercrime: Fed Govt files charges against ex-Nigeria envoy to Zambia Ominyi, one other

    The Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Amb. Nwannebuike Ominyi and Iguma Major over alleged cybercrime offences.

    In the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/654/2025 filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the two defendants are accused of making false and damaging statements, published on an online newspaper, Top Trends Nigeria, Facebook and other social media platforms “to have harm the reputation of Chief Dr Emmanuel Ogai, a prominent Nigerian industrialist and Chief Executive Officer of Frontfield Group of Companies.”

    It was learnt that the case has been assigned to Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, who has scheduled it for January 13 for possible arraignment of the defendants.

    Counts in the charge signed by F. G. Gabriel of the Directorate of the Legal Services at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters, Abuja, read:

    *That you Amb. Nwannebuike Ominyi (m), aged 58 years of No. 15B Nnorom St., Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Iduma Christian, Mayor of No. 1 Goddy Ogbaga Avenue, Mile 50, Abakaliki. Ebonyi State, on or about the 22nd day of March, 2025, did conspire to cause harm to the reputation of one Chief. Dr. Emmanuel Ogai, (m) a prominent Nigerian industrialist & CEO of Frontfield Group of Companies, by the publication you made on Top Trend Nigeria online newspaper, Facebook, and other social media platforms, wherein you stated that Chief. Dr. Emmanuel Ogai is a serial blackmailer, which is known to be false and intended to cause hatred, enmity, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. 

    *That you Amb. Nwannebuike Ominyi (m) aged 58 years of No. 15B Nnorom St. Abakaliki, Ebonyi State and Iduma Christian Mayor of No. 1 Goddy Ogbaga Avenue Mile 50 Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on or about the 22nd day of March, 2025 did publish statements on Top Trend Nigeria online newspaper, Facebook and other social media platforms, wherein you stated that Chief Dr. Emmanuel Ogai made false publication against you and was working to have you disqualified as Ambassador nominee so that he be used as your replacement if disqualified, which statements are known to be false and fntended to expose to hatred, blackmail ridicule and damage the reputation of Chief. Dr. Emmanuel. 

    *That you Amb. Nwannebuike Ominyi (m), aged 58 years of No. 15B Nnorom St., Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Iduma Christian, Mayor of No. 1 Goddy Ogbaga Avenue, Mile 50, Abakaliki. Ebonyi State, on or about the 22nd day of March, 2025, did publish statements on the Top Trend Nigeria online newspaper, Facebook, and other social media platforms, that Chief. Dr. Emmanuel Ogai, a prominent Nigeria Industrialist, and CEO of Frontfield Group of Companies, colluded with other NYSC Staff to remove your name (Nwannebuike Ominyi) from the National Database of NYSC Abuja, after completion of your National Youth Service Corps in 2005 Batch, which statement are known to be false, knowing very well that the first defendant (Ominyi) did not complete a full time education programme at Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and was never qualified to participate in the one-year compulsory National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) and the statements were transmitted through computer networks intended to cause harm, criminal intimidation, danger, enmity, anxiety, hatred and damage to the person of Chief. Dr. Emmanuel Ogai, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) (b) of the Prohibition 2024 (as amended).

  • Cybercrime: Police arrest high-profile cybercrime suspects in Microsoft 365 phishing scam

    Cybercrime: Police arrest high-profile cybercrime suspects in Microsoft 365 phishing scam

    The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) has apprehended high-profile internet fraud suspects linked to targeted cyberattacks on the email systems of major corporate organisations, involving phishing links and malicious software.

    The breakthrough followed credible intelligence received from Microsoft Corporation, USA, through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), revealing the use of a sophisticated phishing toolkit known as RaccoonO365. 

    The toolkit was designed to create fake Microsoft login portals to harvest user credentials and gain unlawful access to corporate, financial, and educational email platforms.

    Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who briefed reporters on Thursday in Abuja, explained that the NPF–NCCC launched a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation in collaboration with Microsoft, the FBI, and the United States Secret Service. 

    Investigations traced multiple incidents of unauthorised Microsoft 365 account access between January and September 2025 to phishing emails crafted to closely resemble legitimate Microsoft authentication pages. These attacks led to business email compromise, data breaches, and financial losses across multiple jurisdictions.

    Acting on precise intelligence, NPF–NCCC operatives carried out operations in Lagos and Edo States, resulting in the arrest of three suspects. Search operations at their residences led to the recovery of laptops, mobile devices, and other digital equipment, which forensic analysis linked directly to the fraudulent scheme.

    “Further investigations identified Okitipi Samuel, also known as “RaccoonO365” and “Moses Felix,” as the principal suspect and developer of the phishing infrastructure. 

    Investigations reveal that he operated a Telegram channel through which phishing links were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency and hosted fraudulent login portals on Cloudflare using stolen or fraudulently obtained email credentials. 

    “Notably, investigations revealed no evidence linking the two other arrested individuals to the creation or operation of the phishing scheme.

    “The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space through the deployment of advanced technology, strengthened international partnerships, and diligent investigative and prosecutorial processes aimed at effectively countering evolving cyber threats,” he added. 

  • CYSED reaffirms commitment to fighting cybercrime at UN gathering

    CYSED reaffirms commitment to fighting cybercrime at UN gathering

    The Cybersecurity Education Initiative (CYSED), has reaffirmed commitment to combating cybercrime during a United Nations gathering in Vietnam on October 25-26, 2025, marking the signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

    At the main plenary, Co-Founder of CYSED, Ayodele Oluwatobi (Tobi Mayana), emphasized Africa’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity and preventing cybercrime through youth engagement and proactive collaboration.

    As one of Africa’s leading youth-driven nonprofits working to combat cybercrime and strengthen digital resilience, CYSED congratulated the member states on the historic adoption of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

    Speaking from the perspective of on-the-ground realities in West Africa, Oluwatobi highlighted that while the new legal framework is essential, legislation alone cannot address the human factors driving cybercrime. Across the region, organized cybercrime groups exploit economic hardship and digital illiteracy, recruiting young people into global criminal networks.

    He also challenged the misconception of Nigeria as an unsafe nation, emphasizing instead its emergence as a growing force in security, nation-building, and the digital future.

    He said: “For too long, the international narrative has focused solely on cybercrime, overlooking the innovation, resilience, and ethical expertise of countless Nigerian professionals working to protect digital systems worldwide.”

    At the main plenary session, CYSED presented a statement that underscored this reality, that Nigeria is not only part of the conversation but an active contributor to global digital safety. The experience affirmed that the world is beginning to recognize Nigeria’s growing leadership and commitment to building a more secure and collaborative digital future.”

    He underscored that while the Convention equips nations with the legal tools for prosecution, its greatest strength lies in its preventive potential—particularly as reflected in Article 3. The measure of its success, he stated, will not only be the number of cybercriminals brought to justice but also the number of young people empowered to choose integrity and resilience over crime.

    Addressing the efforts of the Nigerian government on fighting cybercrime, Oluwatobi stated that while various departments are working hard to prevent this menace, digital literacy and sensitization should be prioritized. 

    “The Nigerian government has established a strong foundation in cybersecurity through the Cybercrime Act and the work of agencies such as the NCCC, EFCC, and FMoJ. The newly adopted Hanoi Convention now provides a global roadmap for the next phase, emphasizing a “whole-of-society” approach to tackling cybercrime, one centered on prevention, as outlined in Article 53 of the treaty.

    To move forward effectively, Nigeria must prioritize prevention through digital literacy and cyber ethics education at all levels, formalize partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society organizations actively engaged in the field, and ensure meaningful youth representation in shaping national policy. With the right coordination and commitment, Nigeria can strengthen its position as a leader in cybersecurity across Africa,” he stated.

    Oluwatobi stressed that youth stand at a critical crossroads: they can become victims, perpetrators, or defenders of digital trust. He called on Member States, as they move toward ratification and implementation, to fully realize the preventive measures outlined in Article 53—especially Paragraph 2, which emphasizes the indispensable role of civil society. 
    He urged governments to view organizations like CYSED not merely as stakeholders, but as implementation partners central to operationalizing the preventive programs envisioned under Article 53, Paragraph 3(f).

    Following the signing ceremony in Hanoi, the Convention will remain open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters in New York until December 31, 2026, and will enter into force 90 days after the fortieth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession is deposited.

  • Cybercrime digital security and economic stability

    Cybercrime digital security and economic stability

    SIR: Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria. With rapid technological advancement and widespread internet penetration, the country has witnessed a surge in online criminal activities that threaten individuals, businesses, and government institutions. The increasing dependency on digital platforms for financial transactions, communication, and data storage has provided cybercriminals with fertile ground to exploit vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

    The economic impact of cybercrime on Nigeria is severe. Currently, the country loses hundreds of millions of dollars annually due to online fraud and digital theft. Businesses face financial losses, reputational damage, and reduced customer trust, while the government loses revenue that could have been used for development. Furthermore, cyberattacks on banks and financial institutions disrupt the stability of the financial sector, making investors wary of Nigeria’s digital economy.

    Another area heavily affected by cybercrime is national security. Hackers have targeted government websites, critical infrastructure, and databases containing sensitive information. These breaches compromise the integrity of government systems and could be exploited by foreign entities or terrorist organizations. The inability to safeguard national data poses a threat not only to Nigeria’s internal stability but also to its international reputation as a secure place for digital investment.

    The evolution of cybercrime techniques in Nigeria is alarming. Beyond traditional email scams, criminals now employ phishing attacks, identity theft, ransomware, and online impersonation. Social media platforms are increasingly used to deceive victims, while cryptocurrency has made it easier for criminals to conceal and transfer stolen funds anonymously.

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    Nigeria’s limited cybersecurity infrastructure and lack of specialized personnel obviously hinder effective investigations and prosecutions. There is a pressing need for the government to invest in digital forensic tools and international collaborations to enhance its capacity to combat cybercrime.

    Many Nigerians fall victim to online scams due to ignorance about cybersecurity practices. Schools, universities, and organizations should incorporate digital literacy and cybersecurity education into their curricula and training programs. This will not only protect potential victims but also steer young minds away from viewing cybercrime as an attractive career path.

    The private sector also has a role to play in combating cybercrime. Financial institutions, telecommunication companies, and technology firms must strengthen their security systems to prevent breaches. Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential in developing effective cybersecurity strategies, sharing intelligence, and responding to cyber incidents promptly. Such partnerships can create a more resilient digital environment capable of deterring criminal activities.

    Cybercriminal networks often operate across borders, making it necessary for Nigeria to work closely with international law enforcement agencies. Sharing data, expertise, and technological resources can help trace and dismantle transnational cybercrime syndicates. Additionally, adopting international best practices in cybersecurity can enhance Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and respond to threats effectively.

    • Usman Ali Yarima, Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri.
  • Cybercrime: Court orders deportation of 59 convicted foreign hackers

    Cybercrime: Court orders deportation of 59 convicted foreign hackers

    …sentences each to a year imprisonment or N1m fine

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted another 59 foreign hackers, ordered each to either serve one year prison term or pay N1million fine.

    Justice Ekerete Akpan, in a judgment on Tuesday, ordered the convicts’ deportation from Nigeria.

    He also directed that all the gadgets used in the commission of the crimes should be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The judge noted that “all the convicts, being first time offenders, expressed remorse for their actions.”

    Justice Akpan said the judgment resulted from a plea bargain deal between the Nigerian Police Force (the prosecuting agency) and the convicts.

    He adjourned till October 22 to determine the fate of the remaining 25.

    Justice Akpan’s latest judgment is coming about two months after 21 of the 109 suspected foreign hackers were convicted for the same offence after they opted for a plea bargain agreement. 

    The 59 convicts were part of the 84 defendants remaining from the total of 109 facing trial after about 21 were recently convicted and deported from the country. 

    The police had, following their arrest in Abuja, filed a six-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 against the 109 foreigners.

    They were arreated in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”

    The defendants, who include citizens of China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, had pleaded not guilty to the charge and were remanded in correctional centres.

    In the six-count charge, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria, etc.

    In one of the counts in the charge sheet, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime.”

    They were alleged to have commited the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    They were also alleged to have accessed a computer network and input with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine.

    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    Again, they were alleged to have removed “from Nigeria proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms.

    “These platforms are 9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

    The defendants were also accused of entering “the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit.

    The offence is contrary to Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

  • Immigration arrests 127 foreigners for cybercrime, irregular migration in Kano

    Immigration arrests 127 foreigners for cybercrime, irregular migration in Kano

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has arrested 127 foreign nationals in the Hotoro Ring Road of Nasarawa Local Government, Kano State for their involvement in cybercrimes and irregular migration.

    According to the state Comptroller of Immigration, Kabir Danja, they were arrested during an operation, which was based on credible intelligence, targeting a hideout where the suspects were taking cover to defraud innocent Nigerians.

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    He said a total of 206 individuals were arrested, including 86 Nigeriens, 41 Chadians, and 80 Nigerians. Of the 206 suspects, 185 were males and 21 were females between 25 and 35.

    He said their interrogation showed that most of the foreign nationals had entered the country through unauthorised entry points and did not possess residence cards or travel documents.

    He added that the 80 Nigerians among them have been handed over to the police.

    He also said NIS Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, had directed that the irregular migrants be repatriated after the conclusion of investigation.

  • Cybercrime, motherhood: Author unveils gripping thriller

    Cybercrime, motherhood: Author unveils gripping thriller

    Sequel to his first thriller, The Man Who Knew Too Much, storyteller, Jack Oswald’s second thriller, The Wrath of the Madam, took head on the single motherhood. Elevated or derided in today’s parlance as ‘Baby Mama’ status, it is rarely discussed, but Oswald wove such a delicate matter around a hard core of data privacy.

    Layering that plot with politics, statecraft, international conspiracy, and an action pack of firefights, the story is an original take on an old issue.

    Add to that women/girl power, the deep dark web of organised electronic crime stretching from Pakistan, to the Potomac River, from Afikpo Prisons to Paris, and from North Korea through India, and you have yourself a thriller set in a fictitious country called South Oceania.

    Oswald argues in The Wrath of The Madame that a chain reaction of ugly events could be triggered by improper handling of data. Breaches in today’s digital age, underscore the need for data protection, and the rights of individuals to their privacy.

    Organisations must train their staff on dangers of unauthorised sharing of data and compliance with global, regional and local data protection laws, to prevent loss from identity theft and financial fraud.

    Though books are expensive, and reading an expensive habit, Nigerians are voraciously reading Nigerian authors. A renaissance in the Nigerian creative sector which includes the literary space has fueled the appetite.

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    Nollywood movies are consumed, arguably as much as the works of Nigerian authors. Technology has also boosted the capacity of traditional publishing houses as well as independent publishing efforts.

    As Nigerian writers pour out stories in their hearts through new channels like audiobooks, consumption will increase in the near future. But for now, it all comes down to a mother’s love, and a nurse fighting the deep state with a needle in Jack Oswald’s thriller – The Wrath of the Madam.

    Oswald is a gifted storyteller – in the mould of John Le Carr, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum- creating new favourites for thriller lovers in the pages of his two novels – The Man Who Knew Too Much, and The Wrath of the Madame.

    From a young age and through his professional career in broadcasting, advertising, e-commerce, financial services and international business, his passion for writing has only grown.

    Tapping from his drawings and paintings skills, high school essays, Oswald has been inspired by everyday occurrences and news stories unfolding even to episodical levels around. These are a bottomless trove of material for his works.

    His two works are available on amazon.

  • UK pledges support for Nigeria’s war against cybercrime 

    UK pledges support for Nigeria’s war against cybercrime 

    …hails decision to set up joint case team

    The United Kingdom (UK) has pledged its support for Nigeria in the efforts address the growing challenges of cybercrime and fraud in the country.

    It noted that the nation’s ability to address these challenges will boost its economic development and enhance the relationship between the two countries.

    The UK’s Minister of State, Home Affairs, Right Honorable David Hanson stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes (JCTC) and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on tackling cybercrime between Nigeria and the UK.

    Described the signing of the MOU as historic, Hanson stressed that the need to tackle issues relating to cybercrime and fraud is very important to Nigeria and the UK.

    He added: “We’ve been very pleased to support and help where we can with the development of the Joint Centre today but we know that this is an initiative which will help support tackling cybercrime.”

     Hanson disclosed that based on the UK’s experience from dealings with fraud and cybercrime, “cybercrime and fraud are major drags on growth in the economy, on confidence in people in the economy.

    .”Myself and my colleagues here today from the High Commissioner through to colleagues from the National Crime Agency through to my direct colleagues working on fraud are very committed to look at areas where we can work in partnership with the Nigerian government to tackle these transnational issues that impact on our economy, impact upon our citizens and impact upon your citizens as well. 

    “So today is a really important milestone for you but it’s also one that is a really important milestone for us as well. We are proud in fact that we’ve been able to assist with the development of this initiative and we stand ready as officials and police and crime officials in the United Kingdom to support initiatives that you’re taking forward for the future. Honourable Minister, Solicitor General, honoured guests, it is a privilege for us to be here today. 

    “We look forward to the work that you’re doing in the future and we stand ready with you to tackle the people that seek to defraud our citizens both in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom to tackle that crime head on. 

    “It is not the victimless crime, cyber crime impacts on real lives, real businesses and real communities and from our perspective the initiative you’ve taken today is more than welcome, it is vital and I praise you for undertaking it and stand ready to give support to tackle the issues that you’ve identified,” Hanson said.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) said the launch of the JCTC is the birth of a vision built on a collaborative approach to combating the menace of cybercrime as well as a vision that finds its foundation in the principles of synergy, coordination and mutual respect among institutions committed to justice.

    Fagbemi noted that while there is the need for a national legal framework for combating cybercrime, it is important to note that, laws alone cannot win battles, stressing the need to equip, unite and empower the people who interpret, enforce, and apply the laws to act swiftly, cohesively and effectively.

    He stated that an effective criminal justice response requires seamless cooperation between relevant actors – the investigators and prosecutors, noting that, cyber criminals may exploit lack of coordination. 

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    Fagbemi said the JCTC was not intended to take over the statutory powers of individual team members, but a model rooted in respect for institutional mandates, promoting inter-agency relationship and intelligence sharing.

    He added: “It envisions a justice system not stifled by bureaucratic bottlenecks but driven by the common goal of achieving efficiency; where investigators and prosecutors work side by side, from the very onset of a case—aligning strategies, harnessing resources, harmonizing efforts, building capacity and ultimately collectively achieving desired results”, he said. 

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, observed that the events marks not just an agreement on paper, but a tangible demonstration of a collective resolve to confront the escalating threat of cybercrimes. 

    “In an increasingly interconnected world, where digital space permeates every facet of our lives, the insidious reach of cyber criminals poses a grave danger to our economies, our institutions, and the very fabric of our society”, the CJ said.

    Tsoho, who was represented by Justice Inyang Ekwo assured that the court would play its part in eradicating the menace of cybercrime in the country.

    “This initiative underscores the unflinching commitment of the Federal High Court to upholding the rule of law in the digital age. We recognize the urgency and the gravity of this issue, and we are fully prepared to play our part in ensuring that perpetrators of cybercrimes are brought to justice”, he said. 

    “As we officially launch the Joint Case Team today, let us remember the victims of cybercrime and the potential harm that these activities inflict on them. Let this be a clear message to cyber criminals that their actions will not go unchallenged and that we are united in our resolve to hold them accountable”, he added. 

    Members of the JCTC are drawn from, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrimes Centre (NPFNCCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (NgCert), from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

  • 11 held over cybercrime

    11 held over cybercrime

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA), have arrested 11 suspects involved in crimes such as identity theft, romance scams, and computer-related fraud that targeted Japanese victims from Nigeria.

    Also, the NPF, in partnership with the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA), has strengthened efforts aimed at combating the menace.

    Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement yesterday highlighted the strength and effectiveness of the partnership, focusing on the successful operation that resulted in the arrest.

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    Adejobi said: “On April 3, 2024, the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, working in conjunction with Nigeria’s National Central Bureau and the NCB Tokyo, received reports regarding five cybercrime cases linked to 13 identified threat actors operating from Nigeria.The subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of 11 individuals and unveiled an extensive network that exploited social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent romantic relationships.

    “Victims were duped into transferring funds through wire transactions, which were eventually converted into cryptocurrency and funnelled to various digital wallets in Nigeria.

    “The preliminary stages of the investigation yielded the recovery of $33,320, with ongoing efforts to reclaim additional stolen funds and dismantle the entire syndicate responsible for these crimes.

    “The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in both the physical and digital space and stands ready to deploy all available resources and leverage emerging technologies to combat cybercrime. The NPF remains steadfast in its resolve to protect our nation and ensure public safety for all.’’

  • JUST IN: Police arrest 11 over cybercrime

    JUST IN: Police arrest 11 over cybercrime

    …as NPF, Japanese police strengthen partnership against cybercrime

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA), has arrested 11 suspects involved in serious crimes such as identity theft, romance scams, and computer-related fraud that targeted Japanese victims from Nigeria.

    Following the development, the NPF in collaboration with the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA), has strengthened collaborative efforts aimed at combating the ever-growing menace of cybercrime.

    Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued on Monday highlighted the strength and effectiveness of the ongoing international partnership, focusing on the successful operation that resulted in the arrest.

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    Adejobi said: “On April 3, 2024, the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, working in conjunction with Nigeria’s National Central Bureau and the NCB Tokyo, received reports regarding five cybercrime cases linked to 13 identified threat actors operating from Nigeria. The subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of eleven individuals and unveiled an extensive network that exploited social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent romantic relationships.

    “Victims were duped into transferring funds through wire transactions, which were eventually converted into cryptocurrency and funneled to various digital wallets in Nigeria.

    “The preliminary stages of the investigation yielded the recovery of $33,320, with ongoing efforts to reclaim additional stolen funds and dismantle the entire syndicate responsible for these crimes.

    “The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in both the physical and digital space and stands ready to deploy all available resources and leverage emerging technologies to combat cybercrime. The NPF remains steadfast in its resolve to protect our nation and ensure public safety for all”.