The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismantled a major cybercrime network linked to a ₦7.7 billion telecom data fraud scheme, arresting several suspects and recovering assets believed to have been purchased with proceeds from the illegal operation.
The breakthrough followed an extensive investigation by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) into allegations of unauthorized access to a leading telecommunications company’s network infrastructure.
The case involved the illegal generation of airtime and its conversion into data bundles, which were subsequently distributed and sold across different parts of the country.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, the investigation commenced after the affected telecom operator reported that staff login credentials had been compromised, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to critical systems.
Investigators revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects unlawfully accessed the company’s billing platform and generated large volumes of airtime.
The fraudulently created airtime was then converted into data bundles and distributed through an extensive network of vendors.
“The investigation uncovered a sophisticated operation involving multiple actors working together to exploit vulnerabilities within the telecommunications system,” the statement noted.
The police disclosed that the telecom data fraud operation involved both insiders and external collaborators who allegedly facilitated the breach and profited from the illegal activities.
Authorities said the telecommunications company successfully reversed approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data, estimated to be worth about ₦3.8 billion.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers arrested several suspects and recovered substantial evidence linked to the operation.
More than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, point-of-sale (POS) machines, cash exhibits, and other digital devices were seized.
In a coordinated second phase of the investigation carried out in May 2026, operatives conducted raids across Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states following intelligence reports.
The operation resulted in the arrest of key suspects identified as Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki, and Aminu Muhammed.
Other individuals taken into custody include Musa Hassan Mohammed, described by investigators as an information technology specialist, alongside Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, who are alleged to have benefited from proceeds generated through the scheme.
Financial investigations and asset-tracing efforts further uncovered significant assets suspected to have been acquired through the telecom data fraud proceeds.
Authorities recovered nearly ₦90 million in cash and seized two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza, and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle.
Police authorities stated that investigations remain ongoing as efforts continue to identify additional members of the syndicate, uncover more assets, and ensure all individuals connected to the operation are brought to justice.
The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the force’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and combating cybercrime. He also called on members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations through official reporting channels of the NPF-NCCC.
The latest development highlights the growing threat of cybercrime targeting telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria and around the world.
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As digital networks become increasingly central to economic activities, industry stakeholders continue to strengthen cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access, data theft, and financial crimes.
Security experts say the successful disruption of the syndicate represents one of the most significant crackdowns on telecom data fraud in recent years and underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private-sector organizations in protecting critical digital systems.
