The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a major breakthrough in combating cybercrime with the dismantling of a sophisticated fraud syndicate responsible for massive financial losses in the telecommunications sector. Through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC), authorities have uncovered an elaborate scheme involving the illegal diversion of airtime and data resources, with estimated damages exceeding N7.7 billion.
How the Fraud Was Discovered
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed in a statement dated January 28, 2026, that the investigation began following a formal petition from a Nigerian telecommunications company. The company had detected suspicious and unauthorized activities within its critical billing and payments infrastructure, prompting immediate law enforcement involvement.
Detailed forensic analysis uncovered that internal staff login credentials had been compromised, providing threat actors with unlawful access to core systems. This security breach enabled the syndicate to divert telecommunications resources on an unprecedented scale, systematically exploiting vulnerabilities in the company's digital architecture.
Coordinated Arrest Operations
After weeks of meticulous planning and intelligence gathering, coordinated enforcement operations were executed in October 2025 across multiple locations. The initial phase targeted suspects in Kano and Katsina States, with a subsequent follow-up arrest conducted in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
These operations resulted in the apprehension of six key suspects identified as:
- Ahmad Bala
- Karibu Mohammed Shehu
- Umar Habib
- Obinna Ananaba
- Ibrahim Shehu
- Masa'ud Sa'ad
Massive Asset Recovery
During the arrests, police recovered substantial assets believed to be proceeds of the criminal enterprise. The seized properties include:
- Two residential houses located in Kano
- Two mini-plazas
- Multiple GSM and laptop retail outlets
- Over 400 laptops
- Approximately 1,000 mobile devices
- A Toyota RAV4 vehicle
Additionally, investigators traced and recovered significant sums of money from accounts linked to the suspects, further disrupting the financial networks supporting the criminal operation.
Legal Proceedings and Police Commitment
CSP Hundeyin confirmed that all suspects will face formal charges in court upon completion of the ongoing investigation. The Nigeria Police Force emphasized its determination to ensure comprehensive prosecution and appropriate legal consequences for those involved in the sophisticated fraud scheme.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, personally commended the investigating officers for their professionalism and dedication throughout the complex operation. The police chief reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly through the NPF–NCCC, to protect Nigeria's digital and financial ecosystems from criminal exploitation.
"The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to dismantle cyber-criminal networks and ensure that offenders are held fully accountable, regardless of their position or affiliation," stated IGP Egbetokun, highlighting the organization's zero-tolerance approach to cyber-enabled financial crimes.
This landmark case demonstrates the growing sophistication of Nigeria's cybercrime investigation capabilities and sends a strong warning to criminal elements targeting the country's telecommunications infrastructure. The successful operation represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against organized cybercrime networks operating within Nigeria's borders.
