Police Bust Telecom Fraud Syndicate, Recover ₦90m Assets and Reverse ₦3.8bn Data Theft
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has uncovered a major telecom fraud syndicate linked to the unauthorized generation and sale of data bundles, leading to the recovery of assets worth nearly ₦90 million and the arrest of several suspects across multiple states.
The cybercrime investigation was launched following a complaint by a leading telecommunications company over the compromise and unauthorized use of staff login credentials within its network infrastructure.
According to the police, preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects illegally accessed the company’s billing system and fraudulently generated airtime, which was subsequently converted into data bundles and distributed through a network of vendors nationwide.
The NPF-NCCC disclosed that the fraudulent operation resulted in significant losses to the telecom provider before the breach was detected and reported.
During the initial phase of the investigation, operatives arrested several suspects and recovered more than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, Point of Sale (POS) machines, cash exhibits, and other incriminating materials.
The telecommunications company was also able to reverse approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently acquired data, estimated to be worth about ₦3.8 billion.
Further investigations uncovered a network involving both insiders within the telecommunications company and external collaborators who allegedly facilitated and benefited from the scheme.
Read Also:
In a second phase of operations carried out in May 2026, police operatives acting on credible intelligence conducted coordinated raids in Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states, leading to the arrest of key suspects identified as Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki, and Aminu Muhammed.
Other suspects arrested in connection with the fraud include IT specialist Musa Hassan Mohammed, alongside Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, who investigators believe profited from the illicit activities.
The police said sustained financial investigations and asset-tracing efforts led to the recovery of nearly ₦90 million in cash and assets believed to be proceeds of the crime.
Recovered properties include two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza, and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle.
The Force noted that investigations are continuing to identify additional accomplices, trace more assets linked to the syndicate, and ensure the prosecution of all individuals found culpable.
Reacting to the breakthrough, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and intensifying efforts against cybercrime.
He emphasized that the Force would continue to deploy advanced investigative techniques and strategic partnerships to combat cyber-enabled crimes that threaten national security and economic stability.
The police also appealed to members of the public with useful information on cybercrime activities to report through the NPF-NCCC’s e-reporting portal and official social media platforms.
The latest operation is regarded as one of the most significant cybercrime crackdowns by the NPF-NCCC in recent years, highlighting growing concerns over insider threats, digital fraud, and the vulnerability of critical telecommunications infrastructure to sophisticated criminal networks.
By PRNigeria
