No fewer than 130 foreign nationals have been arrested by the Nigerian Police for “high-level” cybercrimes.
Among the suspects are 113 foreign nationals, 87 men and 26 women from China and Malaysia.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Force Spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, 17 of the accused are Nigerian.
He stated that the suspects were apprehended at a building in the Next Cash and Carry district of Jahi, Federal Capital Territory.
Adejobi stated that the suspects were allegedly utilising computers and other sophisticated equipment to enable illicit 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 mentioned 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.“