The Nigeria Police Force said it has arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, allegedly involved in hacking, cyber fraud, and other activities posing potential national security risks.
The suspects, identified as primarily Chinese and Malaysian nationals included 87 males and 26 females, were apprehended in a coordinated operation in Abuja led by Assistant Inspector-General Benneth Igweh of Zone 7 Command.
Police authorities reported that the raid targeted a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where suspects were reportedly using advanced computer systems to carry out criminal activities.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, said in a statement that the suspects had been apprehended for their “alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities that threaten national security.”
“We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered from them,” he noted, adding that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of their investigations.
The Nigerian government has invested in new technology to combat cybercrime, with the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) playing a big role in tackling both local and international threats.
NPF-NCCC is the nation’s premier authority on cybercrime prevention and enforcement, established in 2017 as a specialised arm of the Nigeria Police. Initially set up as the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit, it was renamed and upgraded in response to rising cyber threats affecting Nigeria. The centre is equipped with digital forensic tools and staffed by skilled detectives with extensive IT expertise. Beyond crime investigation, the centre conducts vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to protect national and private digital assets, according to the Police.
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