The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of 59 foreign nationals involved in a major international cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin, said the latest convictions represent another milestone in the ongoing crackdown on cybercriminals coordinated by the National Cybercrime Centre.
Hundeyin explained that the operation, conducted on Saturday, 3 November 2024, followed credible intelligence that led to a raid on a building in the Jahi area of Abuja.
During the raid, police arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals—mainly Chinese and Malaysians—and 17 Nigerians.
The suspects were reportedly involved in large-scale internet fraud, sophisticated hacking, and other cyber activities posing serious threats to Nigeria’s digital security.
Following detailed investigations and the presentation of forensic evidence, 21 suspects were first convicted in August 2025, followed by another five in September.
The latest 59 convictions bring the total number of convicted individuals to 85, while trials for the remaining suspects are ongoing.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to eradicating cybercrime and warned that Nigeria would not serve as a haven for digital criminals.
He assured the public that the Police would continue to deploy advanced technology, strengthen international partnerships, and uphold rigorous investigative and prosecutorial standards to dismantle organised cybercrime networks.
Egbetokun added that the successful convictions send a strong message to both local and foreign cybercriminals that the Force remains resolute in protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace.
