In a significant move to combat cybercrime, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) capabilities and expertise in tackling cybercrimes and protecting cyberspace. This announcement comes on the heels of a major operation that led to the arrest and arraignment of 113 foreign nationals involved in various cybercrimes. This article explores the details of this operation, the implications for cybersecurity in Nigeria, and provides essential advice on how to avoid such threats in the future.
The Operation and Arrests
On November 3, 2024, police operatives attached to Zone 7 command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja successfully apprehended a group of foreign nationals in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These individuals were involved in a series of cybercrimes, including internet fraud and marketing scams
- During the investigation, the NPF-NCCC operatives recovered a vast array of digital evidence believed to be instrumental in the syndicate’s operations. The items seized included:
- Black Toyota Tundra vehicle
- Laptops of various makes
- Smartphones of different brands
- Tablets, desktops, and computers
- Keyboards and a Harman/Kardon sound system
- MTN, Huawei, Airtel, D-Link, and Starlink routers
- Gamepads and a Sony PlayStation 5
- A central processing unit
- Multiple SIM cards from both local and international service providers
- High-capacity servers, drones, and specialized cyber equipment
- International passports, identity cards, and travel documents2
These assets were suspected to have been used in executing a range of cybercrime activities, including unauthorized data breaches and marketing scams. The scale and sophistication of the operation underscore the increasing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders.
Arraignment and Charges
Following the investigation and the compilation of credible evidence, the NPF-NCCC arraigned the 113 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects face serious charges, including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration
3. The arraignment follows extensive investigations that uncovered the alleged involvement of these individuals in criminal activities spanning cybercrime, immigration offenses, and human trafficking networks. The Nigeria Police Force continues to work closely with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track and prosecute cybercriminals, combat cybercrime, and other forms of transnational criminal activity, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law
4. The IGP’s Commitment to Cybersecurity
IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to leverage emerging technological advancements to protect Nigerian citizens both physically and in the digital space. He emphasized that the Force is well-dedicated and well-equipped to combat cases of cybercrime in the country
10 Tips to Avoid Cybercrime Threats
- Implement Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords and change them regularly to prevent unauthorized access.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA.
- Regular Software Updates: Keep your software and systems updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Educate Employees: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about the latest cyber threats and safe practices.
- Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and prevent threats.
- Secure Your Network: Use firewalls and encryption to protect your network from unauthorized access.
- Monitor and Log Activities: Implement robust monitoring and logging to detect suspicious activities in real-time.
- Backup Data Regularly: Regularly back up your data to ensure you can recover it in case of a cyber attack.
- Be Cautious with Emails: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
- Establish a Response Plan: Have a clear incident response plan in place to quickly address and mitigate the impact of cyber attacks.
Conclusion
The recent operation by the Nigeria Police Force highlights the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect cyberspace. The arrest and arraignment of 113 foreign nationals involved in cybercrime activities demonstrate the Force’s capabilities and commitment to tackling these threats. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures and staying informed about the latest threats, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves against cybercriminals.
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