Police nab 113 foreigners, 17 Nigerians over cybercrimes

At least 130 suspects, comprising 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, have been apprehended by the police over hacking and cyber-related crimes.

Nigeria’s Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Adejobi, 87 foreign nationals, of Chinese and Malaysian origin, are males while 26 are females.

The police spokesman said their 17 Nigerian collaborators comprised four males and 13 females.

Adejobi said the suspects were arrested over their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking and activities that threaten national security.

He said the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the ‘Next Cash’ and Carry area of Jahi in Abuja.

The police spokesman said the suspects used computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.

According to him, the operation, conducted on Saturday, was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in charge of Zone 7, Mr Benneth Igweh.

He said the operation was conducted by officers from Zone 7 Command, Abuja, and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).

“We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.