Police Bust Alleged ₦7.7bn Telecom Fraud Syndicate, Recover Assets and Cash

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a sophisticated cybercrime operation involving alleged computer-related fraud, unauthorised access to telecommunications infrastructure and the illegal diversion of network services.

The development followed months of investigations into a complaint lodged by a leading telecommunications company over the compromise and misuse of staff login credentials, which enabled unauthorised access to critical components of its network billing system.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, said preliminary findings revealed that the syndicate illegally infiltrated the company’s billing infrastructure between October 1 and November 28, 2024 and fraudulently generated airtime that was subsequently converted into data bundles.

According to the police, the illegally acquired data was distributed through a network of vendors and resellers operating across different parts of the country.

Investigators disclosed that the fraudulent activities resulted in significant financial losses before the breach was detected.

Imah said the investigation led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a large cache of digital devices and other exhibits believed to have been used in perpetrating the crime.

“In the course of the investigation, several suspects were arrested and over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, POS machines, cash exhibits and other evidential materials were recovered,” he said.

The police further revealed that the affected telecommunications company was able to reverse approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data, valued at about ₦3.8 billion, thereby mitigating part of the losses arising from the scheme.

According to the NPF-NCCC, ongoing investigations uncovered evidence suggesting that the operation involved both external actors and insiders with access to sensitive network systems.

The discovery prompted a second phase of coordinated operations carried out in May 2026.

Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, cybercrime operatives conducted simultaneous raids across Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states, leading to the arrest of several key suspects allegedly linked to the network.

Those arrested include Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed.

The police also identified Musa Hassan Mohammed, described as an Information Technology specialist, alongside Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, as suspects believed to have benefited from proceeds generated through the fraudulent operation.

As part of efforts to dismantle the financial structure supporting the syndicate, investigators launched extensive financial profiling and asset-tracing exercises.

The operation resulted in the recovery of nearly ₦90 million in cash and the identification of several assets allegedly acquired with proceeds of the crime.

Among the recovered assets are two residential properties in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle.

Police authorities said the recovered properties and funds are being treated as suspected proceeds of criminal activity pending the conclusion of investigations and legal proceedings.

The Nigeria Police Force said investigations remain ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate, trace additional assets and ensure the prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged fraud.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure and strengthening efforts to combat cybercrime and technology-enabled financial crimes.

He also called on members of the public with useful information to support ongoing investigations by providing credible intelligence through the reporting channels of the NPF National Cybercrime Centre.

The latest breakthrough underscores growing concerns over increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting telecommunications infrastructure, financial systems and digital platforms, as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to protect the country’s expanding digital economy.