By Omoniyi David
The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of 59 foreign nationals involved in an international cybercrime syndicate operating from Abuja.
Force PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing the convictions as a major breakthrough in the ongoing clampdown on cybercriminals by the National Cybercrime Centre.
He said the suspects were arrested during a large-scale operation on November 3, 2024, in the Jahi area of the FCT, which led to the arrest of 130 persons, including 113 foreign nationals, mainly Chinese and Malaysians, and 17 Nigerians.
Hundeyin noted that the syndicate was engaged in sophisticated internet fraud and hacking activities threatening Nigeria’s digital and economic security.
He added that with the latest 59 convictions, the total number of those sentenced has risen to 85, while trials for others continue.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to rid Nigeria’s cyberspace of criminals, warning that the country will not serve as a haven for digital offenders.
