Police arrest 113 foreign nationals for alleged cybercrime

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested no fewer than 130 suspects for “high-level” cybercrimes.

Among the suspects are 113 foreign nationals comprising 87 males and 26 females from China and Malaysia.

A statement on Sunday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, added that 17 of the suspects were Nigerian.

He said the suspects were arrested at a building at the Next Cash and Carry area in the Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory.

Adejobi said that the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.

Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 130 suspects comprising 113 foreign nationals (87 males and 26 females), primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and their 17 Nigerian collaborators (4 males and 13 females) for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities that threaten national security.

“This strategic operation was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.

“The operation which was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).”

Adejobi states that the police were analysing the exhibits recovered from the suspects.

He said, “We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered from them. The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of our investigations.

“We will update the public on the outcomes of our investigations as and when due.“