…unveils 4 suspects behind strings of sophisticated cyber-related offences
By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has made significant strides in combating cybercrime in 2024, marking a major achievement in its ongoing efforts to tackle all forms of crime. Notably, the Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has been at the forefront of this battle, leveraging cutting-edge technology and skilled professionals to ensure a resilient and secure online environment for all citizens.
Notably is the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) successful recovery of a staggering 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 significant amounts have been restituted to the victims of cybercrime, reaffirming the commitment of the Force to protecting citizens and ensuring justice for those affected by fraudulent activities.
In a similar vein, the Cybercrime Unit has been aggressively conducting strategic operations over the past year, which has led to the arrest and prosecution of more than 751 cybercriminals. 467 Mobile phones, 137 laptops and computers, 46 routers, 4 servers, 1 drone, and 4 Starlink devices are among the 685 gadgets the team successfully retrieved from these illicit activities. The raids also resulted in the seizure of 26 cars, 39 plots of land, 16 houses, and 14 land documents, which further demolished the infrastructure enabling cybercriminal activities.
In recognition of its remarkable performance and steadfast commitment, the NPF-NCCC has been awarded the title of the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024 by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate based in Singapore, securing the top position among 54 participating African countries.
These accomplishments demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force commitments to combating cybercrime and improving public safety online.
As part of its efforts to keeping the cyberspace secure, operatives of the NPF-NCCC have arrested four suspects identified as Douglass Victor “m,” Egbo Efe Martins “m,” Lucky Adesunloye “m,” and Ndifreke Joseph Moody “m” for a variety of cyber-related offenses
The arrest of these four suspects sends a strong message to cybercriminals that their activities will not go undetected. The NPF-NCCC will continue to work tirelessly to keep the cyberspace safe and secure for all Nigerians.
The Nigeria Police remains committed towards combating cyber threats, staying steps ahead of cybercriminals, thereby enhancing the nation’s overall cybersecurity framework and protecting the welfare of its citizens in the digital era. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when sharing sensitive data or interacting with unfamiliar online entities, cultivating a culture of cyber awareness and promoting responsible online behavior are essential components in fortifying the defenses against cyber threats.
