The Nigeria Police Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC), has successfully dismantled an advanced cyber fraud syndicate that was responsible for the diversion of telecommunications airtime and data, inflicting financial damages exceeding N7.7 billion.
In an announcement, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, noted that this operation was initiated following a complaint from a Nigerian telecom provider which noticed irregular and unauthorized actions within its billing and payment systems.
CSP Hundeyin elaborated that investigations revealed that login details belonging to internal personnel had been compromised, allowing cybercriminals to gain illicit access to the company's core infrastructure and exploit its systems for financial benefits.
After weeks of intelligence collection and operational strategy, synchronized enforcement actions were executed in October 2025 across Kano and Katsina States, with an additional arrest made in the Federal Capital Territory.
These operations culminated in the capture of six individuals identified as Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad.
During the operations, various assets were seized including two residential properties in Kano, two mini plazas, retail outlets for GSM and laptops containing over 400 laptops and around 1,000 mobile phones, alongside a Toyota RAV4 vehicle. Authorities believe these assets are the fruits of the fraudulent activities.
Moreover, significant amounts of money linked to the suspects' bank accounts were recovered. CSP Hundeyin confirmed that the suspects will face legal action once investigations are finalized.
In addition, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the involved officers for their professionalism and thoroughness. He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment, via the NPF–NCCC, to safeguard Nigeria’s digital and financial landscapes, dismantle cybercriminal networks, and ensure that perpetrators, irrespective of their status, are held accountable for their actions.
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