The Nigeria Police Force, through the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a large-scale cyber fraud involving computer-related fraud, unauthorized access to computer systems and theft of telecommunications services.
The investigation began following a petition by a leading telecommunications company alleging the compromise and unauthorized use of staff login credentials to gain access to its network infrastructure.
According to the NPF-NCCC, preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects unlawfully accessed the company’s billing system and fraudulently generated airtime, which was subsequently converted into data bundles.
The illegally acquired data bundles were then distributed and sold through a network of vendors operating across the country.
During the course of the investigation, police operatives arrested several suspects and recovered more than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, cash exhibits and other incriminating materials.
Investigators also disclosed that the affected telecommunications company successfully reversed approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data valued at about ₦3.8 billion.
Further investigations revealed the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators in the sophisticated fraud scheme.
In a second phase of the operation conducted in May 2026, operatives of the NPF-NCCC carried out coordinated raids in Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states based on actionable intelligence.
The operation led to the arrest of key suspects identified as Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed.
Other suspects arrested in connection with the case include Musa Hassan Mohammed, an Information Technology specialist, as well as Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, all of whom are believed to have benefited from the proceeds of the criminal enterprise.
Through extensive financial investigations and asset-tracing efforts, the police recovered nearly ₦90 million suspected to be proceeds of the crime.
Additional recoveries include two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle allegedly acquired with funds generated from the fraudulent activities.
The Police said investigations are ongoing to identify additional accomplices, trace more criminal proceeds and ensure that all individuals connected to the fraud are brought to justice.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and intensifying efforts to combat cybercrime across the country.
He urged members of the public with useful information relating to cybercrime activities to report such cases through the NPF-NCCC e-reporting portal or its official communication channels.