The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested several suspects linked to a ₦7.7 billion telecom data fraud scheme. Investigators recovered nearly ₦90 million in cash, two houses, a mini-plaza, and a vehicle during the operation.
Cybercrime Syndicate Dismantled
The police uncovered a cybercrime syndicate that illegally accessed a telecom company's billing system, converting fraudulently generated airtime into data bundles for sale. Suspects were arrested across Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states. Over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, POS machines, and other evidence were seized.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stated it has dismantled a major cybercrime syndicate accused of illegally accessing a telecommunications company's systems and generating data worth billions of naira. The operation was carried out by the NPF-NCCC, which investigated computer-related fraud, unauthorized access, and theft of telecommunications services.
Investigation Details
According to a statement by DSP Unwana Imah, Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, the investigation began after a leading telecom company reported compromised staff login credentials used to access its network infrastructure. Between October 1 and November 28, 2024, suspects unlawfully accessed the billing platform and fraudulently generated airtime, later converted into data bundles and distributed through vendors nationwide.
Authorities recovered more than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, and several POS machines used by the syndicate. The telecom company reversed about 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently acquired data, worth approximately ₦3.8 billion. The operation involved insiders and external collaborators.
Second Phase Raids
In May 2026, operatives conducted coordinated raids in Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara, leading to the arrest of key suspects: Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki, and Aminu Muhammed. Others include Musa Hassan Mohammed (IT specialist), Samson Alisigwe, and Yusuf Shehu, who allegedly benefited from the fraud.
Financial investigations and asset tracing recovered nearly ₦90 million in cash, two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza, and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle believed to have been bought with proceeds from the fraud.
Investigations are ongoing to identify other syndicate members, trace additional assets, and ensure prosecution. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the force's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's digital infrastructure and tackling cybercrime. He urged the public to provide useful information through NPF-NCCC reporting channels.
