Nigeria Police Arrest 130 Foreign Nationals for Alleged Cybercrime in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested 130 foreign nationals, primarily Chinese and Malaysian citizens, over alleged cybercrimes and activities deemed a threat to national security. The suspects, comprising 87 men and 26 women, were apprehended in the Jahi area of Abuja during a coordinated raid.

The operation, which also led to the arrest of 17 Nigerian nationals, was conducted by a team led by Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, and included officers from the NPF’s Zone 7 Command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC). The police discovered computers and other advanced equipment reportedly used to carry out cybercrimes, hacking, and various forms of digital fraud.

Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi issued a statement on Sunday, noting the strategic nature of the operation and its goal of combating high-level cybercrime in Nigeria. “We are investigating the matter and scientifically analyzing the exhibits recovered from them. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of our investigations,” Adejobi stated.