Police cybercrime unit recovers over N8bn in 2024

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has achieved a major milestone in its fight against cybercrime, with its National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) recovering N8.8 billion in 2024.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police spokesperson in a statement today said this groundbreaking achievement earned the unit the prestigious title of Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024, awarded by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore.

Adejobi said NPF-NCCC recovered N8,821,001,881.80, 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000 in various operations last year.

The funds which he said were traced to victims of cybercrime, have been restituted, showcasing the police’s commitment to justice and the protection of citizens.

He added that the Cybercrime Unit also made strides in dismantling cybercriminal networks.

Adejobi said the unit arrested and prosecuted over 751 suspects, recovering 685 devices, including 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops, and four servers, among others.

He stated that assets linked to cybercrime activities, such as 16 houses, 39 plots of land, and 26 vehicles, were confiscated to weaken the infrastructure supporting these crimes.

Recognised as the best among 54 African countries, the NPF-NCCC’s award reflects its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital space.

He said the recognition underscored police commitment to staying steps ahead of cybercriminals and enhancing cybersecurity for our citizens.

Furthermore, he noted that the unit recently apprehended four suspects—Douglass Victor, Egbo Efe Martins, Lucky Adesunloye, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody—for various cyber-related offences.

He called on citizens to remain vigilant, avoid sharing sensitive data with unfamiliar entities, and cultivate a culture of cyber awareness to counter evolving threats in the digital era.

He reaffirmed police commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring the safety of Nigerians in the digital space.