Police secure conviction of 59 foreigners in Abuja cybercrime syndicate

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the conviction of 59 foreign nationals linked to a major international cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the convictions mark a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on cybercrime by the National Cybercrime Centre.

According to Hundeyin, the syndicate was uncovered following a coordinated operation on November 3, 2024, in the Jahi area of Abuja. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives raided a building where 130 suspects were arrested — comprising 113 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese and Malaysians, and 17 Nigerians.

Investigations revealed the group’s involvement in large-scale internet fraud, advanced hacking operations, and other cyber activities that threatened Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

Earlier, 21 suspects were convicted in August 2025, followed by another five in September. The latest batch of 59 brings the total number of convictions to 85, while trials for the remaining suspects continue.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s determination to rid the country of cybercriminals, stressing that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for digital fraudsters.

He assured that the Police would continue leveraging advanced technology, deepening international collaboration, and strengthening investigations and prosecutions to dismantle organised cybercrime networks.

Egbetokun added that the convictions send a strong message to both local and foreign actors that the Nigeria Police remain steadfast in protecting the nation’s cyberspace.