The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against cybercrime, recovering a staggering N8.82 billion alongside other assets in 2024.
The National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) was also recognized as Africa’s Best Cybercrime Unit by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore, emerging as the top performer among 54 countries.
According to a press release issued by the Force Public Relations Department, the NPF-NCCC recovered N8,821,001,881.80 (Eight Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Million, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-One Naira, Eighty Kobo), 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000 (Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars). These funds have been restituted to victims of cybercrime, demonstrating the Force’s commitment to justice and public safety.
The Cybercrime Unit’s operations also led to the arrest and prosecution of over 751 cybercrime suspects in 2024. It seized 685 devices linked to cybercriminal activities, including 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops, 46 routers, 4 servers, 1 drone, and 4 Starlink devices. Additionally, assets such as 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles were confiscated.
The unit’s exemplary performance has earned it recognition as the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa, a testament to its relentless efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s cyberspace.
In a recent operation, four suspects—Douglass Victor, Egbo Efe Martins, Lucky Adesunloye, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody—were arrested for various cyber-related offences.
The Force reiterated its commitment to combating cyber threats and enhancing national cybersecurity. Citizens are urged to remain cautious online, avoid sharing sensitive data with unknown entities, and embrace cyber awareness.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, emphasized the need for responsible online behavior to bolster defenses against cybercrime.
The Nigeria Police Force’s strides in 2024 underscore its dedication to making the digital space safer for all Nigerians.
LV