In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended six individuals linked to a massive hacking operation targeting a major telecom company. This breach reportedly led to the diversion of airtime and mobile data valued at over N77 billion, raising serious concerns about the security of Nigeria's digital infrastructure, as emphasized in the official statement.
Police Operation and Arrests
The arrests were announced by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, who highlighted that the operation was executed in collaboration with the National Cybercrime Centre. The investigation was initiated following a petition from the telecom company, which reported unusual activities within its billing and payments systems.
Unauthorized Access and Infiltration
Authorities discovered that the suspects had gained unauthorized access by compromising internal staff login credentials, allowing them to infiltrate core systems. The operation, which took place in October 2025, spanned across Kano and Katsina States, with an additional arrest made in the Federal Capital Territory.
Details of the Suspects and Recovered Assets
The suspects, identified as Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masaud Saad, were found in possession of various hacking tools. Police recovered significant assets, including:
- two residential properties
- two mini-plazas
- over 400 laptops
- 1,000 mobile phones
- a Toyota RAV4 vehicle
Additionally, substantial funds linked to the suspects' accounts were also seized.
Police Commendation and Next Steps
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun praised the officers involved for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's dedication to protecting the nation's digital and financial landscapes. All six suspects are expected to face charges in court once the investigation concludes.
In a recent development, Indian authorities arrested two individuals linked to cryptocurrency laundering in the aftermath of the Bitconnect Ponzi scheme. This contrasts with the recent crackdown on cybercrime in Nigeria, highlighting the global efforts to combat financial fraud. For more details, see read more.
