In a major operation targeting cybercrime and threats to national security, the Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin and 17 Nigerian collaborators.
The suspects, consisting of 87 males and 26 females from abroad along with 4 Nigerian males and 13 females, were apprehended in Abuja for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes and hacking activities.
The operation, which took place on November 2, 2024, at a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, was led by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Benneth Igweh from Zone 7 Headquarters.
Officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) collaborated in the raid, which uncovered sophisticated devices and computers used to facilitate the alleged criminal activities.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi shared the update on the operation via a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the high-profile nature of the raid and the immediate commencement of an intensive investigation.
“We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered from them,” Adejobi stated.
The police emphasized that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, affirming their commitment to providing updates on the case as it develops.