The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the recovery of over N8 billion and $115,000 through the efforts of its cybercrime unit in 2024, earning the unit the prestigious title of “Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa” from the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF spokesperson, said the unit’s operations not only disrupted cybercrime activities but also led to the arrest and prosecution of 751 suspects involved in various online fraud schemes.
Adejobi disclosed that the recovered funds were restituted to victims of cybercrime, reinforcing the police force’s commitment to ensuring justice and protecting citizens in the digital space. He added that the unit’s achievements reflect a systematic approach to combating cyber threats and dismantling the infrastructure that enables such criminal activities.
“The unit recovered 685 devices used in cybercrimes, including 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops and computers, 46 routers, four servers, one drone, and four Starlink devices,” Adejobi said.
Additionally, assets linked to cybercrime operations were confiscated during the year. These included 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles. Adejobi noted that the seizure of these assets served as a significant blow to the networks facilitating cybercriminal activities.
The cybercrime unit’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as it was recognized by INTERPOL as the top-performing cybercrime unit among 54 African countries. “These achievements reflect the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to fighting cybercrime and enhancing the safety of citizens in the digital space,” Adejobi said.
The police spokesperson also highlighted a recent operation by the unit, which led to the arrest of four high-profile suspects: Douglass Victor, Egbo Martins, Lucky Adesunloye, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody. These individuals are currently being investigated for their involvement in cyber-related offences.
This recognition marks a milestone for Nigeria in the fight against cybercrime, a growing menace in the digital age. With an increase in internet usage and technological reliance, cybercriminal activities have escalated globally, but the NPF’s cybercrime unit has emerged as a leader in addressing the challenge.
The unit’s success demonstrates the importance of collaboration, advanced training, and strategic operations in combating cyber threats. It also underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding citizens and ensuring a secure digital environment.
