Police Recovers ₦8bn From Cybercriminals, Wins Africa’s Best Cybercrime Unit Award

• As Police Parade Four Suspects for Cyber Offences

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has achieved a major milestone in its fight against cybercrime. In 2024, it recorded significant successes and earned recognition as Africa’s top cybercrime unit.

The NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) recovered ₦8,821,001,881.80, 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000 from cybercriminals in the past year. These funds have been returned to victims, demonstrating the Force’s commitment to justice and protecting citizens from fraudulent activities.

The unit also apprehended over 751 suspects involved in cybercrime and seized 685 devices, including 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops, and other advanced technology such as routers, servers, and drones. Furthermore, the Force confiscated properties linked to cybercrime, including 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles, dismantling critical infrastructure used in these illegal operations.

For its exceptional performance, the NPF-NCCC was named the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore, outshining cybercrime units from 54 African countries.

Additionally, the Force paraded four suspects, Douglass Victor, Egbo Efe Martins, Lucky Adesunloye, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody, who were arrested for various cyber-related offences. These arrests highlight the Force’s ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s cyberspace and deter criminal activity.

The Force also urged citizens to remain cautious online, avoid sharing sensitive data with unfamiliar entities, and cultivate cyber awareness to reduce vulnerabilities to digital threats.

The Nigeria Police, under the leadership of the Inspector-General, reiterated its commitment to staying ahead of cybercriminals and enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity framework for the benefit of its citizens.