Police bursts ‘hacker syndicate’, nab 113 Chinese, Malaysian, 17 others

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 is as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered thorough investigation into possible security threats and networking.

Confirming the arrests in a press statement, Sunday in Abuja. The Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noted that, “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 Igwe, on Saturday,  November 3, 2024, comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).”

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

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