The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has announced that it recovered over ₦8 billion and 865 devices, including mobile phones, laptops, computers, amongst others in 2024.
The NPF-NCCC also disclosed that it arrested 751 individuals in the course of its operations last year, attributing the outstanding achievement as part of the police efforts to tackle every form of crime in all spheres, particularly in the area of combatting cybercrime.
This is according to the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued on Monday.
“In the year 2024, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) successfully recovered a staggering N8,821,001,881.80 (Eight Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Million, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-One Naira, Eighty Kobo), 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,000 (Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars).
“These significant amounts have been restituted to the victims of cybercrime, reaffirming the commitment of the Force to protecting citizens and ensuring justice for those affected by fraudulent activities.
“Similarly, in the past year, the Cybercrime Unit has actively engaged in strategic operations, resulting in the arrests and prosecutions of over 751 individuals involved in cybercrime. The unit has successfully recovered a total of 685 devices that were used in these nefarious activities, which include 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops and computers, 46 routers, 4 servers, 1 drone, and 4 Starlink devices. Additionally, the operations led to the confiscation of 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles, further dismantling the infrastructure supporting cybercriminal activities,” ACP Adejobi stated.
The spokesperson said that the NPF-NCCC in recognition of its outstanding performance and dedication has been awarded the title of the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024 by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate based in Singapore, securing the top position among 54 participating African countries.
He noted that the achievements reflect the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to fighting cybercrime and enhancing the safety of citizens in the digital space.
“In furtherance to efforts towards keeping the cyberspace safe, operatives of the NPF-NCCC have apprehended 4 suspects identified as Douglass Victor ‘m’, Egbo Efe Martins ‘m’, Lucky Adesunloye ‘m’, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody ‘m’, for various cyber-related offences,” he revealed.
The NPF reiterated its commitment towards combatting cyber threats, staying steps ahead of cybercriminals, thereby enhancing the nation’s overall cybersecurity framework and protecting the welfare of its citizens in the digital era.
“Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when sharing sensitive data or interacting with unfamiliar online entities, cultivating a culture of cyber awareness and promoting responsible online behavior are essential components in fortifying the defenses against cyber threats,” the statement added.
