The Nigeria Police Force has charged 113 foreign nationals with cybercrime and immigration offences at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the arrests in a statement on Monday. The suspects were apprehended on November 3, 2024, during an operation by the National Cyber Crime Centre and Zone 7 Command in the Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory.
The suspects face charges related to computer fraud, marketing scams, money laundering, and unlawful data access. They are also accused of immigration offences and connections to human trafficking networks.
During the operation, the police recovered several digital devices believed to be tools for cybercrime. These include laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers, drones, high-capacity servers, gaming devices, multiple SIM cards, and international passports. Other items seized were a Black Toyota Tundra vehicle and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
The police statement read, “These assets recovered are suspected to have been used in executing a range of cybercrime activities, including unauthorised data breaches, marketing scams, and other cybercrime activities. The scale and sophistication of the operation underscore the increasing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders.”
Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun emphasized the Force’s commitment to combating cybercrime and working with international law enforcement to address transnational crimes.
He stated, “The Force is well-dedicated and well-equipped to combat cases of cybercrime in the country, leveraging emerging technological advancements to protect Nigerian citizens both physically and in the digital space.”
