THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested 130 individuals (113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians), for their alleged involvement in high-level hacking and activities deemed a threat to national security.
The suspects, primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin, were apprehended in a coordinated operation on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Jahi, Abuja, where police said it discovered computers and advanced devices used to facilitate these criminal activities.
According to a statement by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday, November 3, the raid was led by Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7, Benneth Igweh. It included officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
“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 reportedly used 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),” the statement read in part.
Following the arrests, the police said they had commenced a thorough investigation, including a scientific analysis of the evidence collected from the suspects. They added that suspects would be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation.
“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,” Adejobi added.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M