The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has made significant breakthroughs in the investigation of a sophisticated cybercrime operation that allegedly defrauded a major telecommunications company of approximately ₦7.7 billion through unauthorized access to its network systems.
According to a statement issued by the police, the investigation began after a leading telecommunications service provider reported the compromise and unlawful use of staff login credentials by unknown individuals.
Preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects gained unauthorized access to the company’s network billing infrastructure, where they fraudulently generated airtime and converted it into data bundles. The illegally obtained data was subsequently distributed and sold through a nationwide network of vendors.
As investigations progressed, police operatives arrested several suspects and recovered more than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, cash exhibits, and other materials linked to the fraudulent operation.
The affected telecommunications company was also able to reverse approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently acquired data valued at about ₦3.8 billion, significantly reducing the overall losses incurred.
Further investigations uncovered the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators in the cybercrime scheme. In a second phase of operations conducted in May 2026, operatives of the NPF-NCCC carried out coordinated raids in Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states based on actionable intelligence.
The operation led to the arrest of key suspects identified as Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki, and Aminu Muhammed. Other suspects arrested in connection with the case include IT specialist Musa Hassan Mohammed, Samson Alisigwe, and Yusuf Shehu, who are believed to have benefited from the proceeds of the illicit activities.
Through extensive financial investigations and asset-tracing efforts, police recovered nearly ₦90 million in cash. Additional assets seized include two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza, and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle, all believed to have been acquired with proceeds from the crime.
The police said investigations are ongoing to identify additional accomplices, trace further criminal proceeds, and ensure that all individuals connected to the fraud are brought to justice.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and intensifying efforts to combat cybercrime in all its forms.
He emphasized that the force remains determined to dismantle cybercriminal networks and protect businesses and citizens from emerging digital threats.
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