The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in its battle against cybercrime, recovering a total of ₦8,821,001,881.80, 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000 in 2024. This monumental recovery highlights the effectiveness of the National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) in disrupting illegal activities in the digital space. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the recovered funds have been successfully returned to their rightful owners, signaling a major victory in protecting citizens’ financial assets.
Adejobi further lauded the NPF-NCCC for its relentless efforts in combating cybercrime and dismantling criminal networks. He emphasized that the center’s advanced investigative methods and strategic operations have significantly enhanced digital safety across Nigeria. This achievement underscores the NPF’s commitment to staying ahead of cybercriminals and ensuring that victims of cybercrime regain what they lost. The operation sets a strong precedent for future cybercrime enforcement in the country.
751 Cybercrime Suspects Prosecuted in a Record-Breaking Year
In 2024, the NPF-NCCC demonstrated remarkable efficiency, leading to the arrests and prosecutions of over 751 cybercrime suspects. These arrests were the result of coordinated operations targeting various cyber-related offenses, ranging from financial scams to data breaches.
The suspects were identified through advanced digital tracking tools and international collaboration, ensuring accountability for their actions. The prosecutions reflect the judiciary’s support for the NPF’s initiatives, creating a deterrent for potential cybercriminals and signaling a no-tolerance policy for cyber-related offenses.
Massive Seizure of Cybercrime Tools and Properties
In its crackdown on cybercrime, the NPF-NCCC confiscated 685 tools and devices used to perpetrate illegal activities. These included 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops, 46 routers, 4 servers, 1 drone, and 4 Starlink devices. The confiscation of these tools has dealt a severe blow to cybercriminals’ operations across the nation.
Beyond digital tools, the unit seized 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles tied to cybercrime activities. This comprehensive approach dismantles not only the immediate tools of crime but also the infrastructure that sustains cybercriminal enterprises.
Global Recognition: NPF-NCCC Crowned Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa
In a historic achievement, the NPF-NCCC was named the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024 by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore. Competing against 54 African countries, the Nigerian unit emerged as a leader in cybercrime prevention, investigation, and enforcement.
This recognition underscores the NPF-NCCC’s dedication and innovative strategies in combating cybercrime. It also highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in cybersecurity, setting a benchmark for other African nations to emulate.
Apprehension of Key Cybercrime Suspects
The NPF-NCCC recently apprehended four high-profile suspects involved in various cyber-related crimes. The suspects, identified as Douglass Victor, Egbo Efe Martins, Lucky Adesunloye, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody, were allegedly engaged in sophisticated schemes targeting individuals and businesses.
These arrests demonstrate the NPF’s proactive measures in identifying and neutralizing threats before they escalate. The suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, reflecting the nation’s robust legal framework to address digital offenses.
Strengthening Cybersecurity: A Commitment to a Safer Digital Future
The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to combat cyber threats and enhance the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Through strategic collaborations, advanced training, and innovative tools, the NPF is staying ahead of cybercriminals, ensuring the safety of Nigerians in the digital space.
Efforts are underway to raise public awareness about cybercrime, encouraging citizens to adopt safe digital practices. The NPF’s achievements in 2024 not only highlight its commitment to cybersecurity but also reinforce the need for collective efforts to combat the evolving threat of cybercrime.
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