The Nigeria Police Force, through the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a large-scale cyber fraud involving unauthorized access to a telecommunications company’s network, leading to the fraudulent generation of airtime and data valued at approximately ₦3.8 billion.
According to a statement by the Police Public Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, the investigation began following a complaint by a leading telecommunications service provider over the compromise and unauthorized use of staff login credentials.
Preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects illegally accessed the company’s network billing infrastructure and generated airtime which was subsequently converted into data bundles. The data bundles were then distributed and sold through a network of vendors operating across the country.
The police disclosed that several suspects were arrested during the operation, while over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, cash exhibits and other incriminating materials were recovered.
Investigators also established that the telecommunications provider successfully reversed about 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data, estimated to be worth about ₦3.8 billion.
Further investigations uncovered the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators in the criminal enterprise.
In a second phase of the operation conducted in May 2026, operatives of the NPF-NCCC, acting on credible intelligence, carried out 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 case include Musa Hassan Mohammed, an IT specialist, Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, who are alleged to have benefited from the proceeds of the fraudulent scheme.
The police said sustained financial investigation and asset tracing efforts led to the recovery of nearly ₦90 million, two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle believed to have been acquired with proceeds from the crime.
The NPF-NCCC noted that investigations are continuing to identify additional accomplices, trace more criminal assets and ensure the prosecution of all individuals involved.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and intensifying the fight against cybercrime.
The police also urged members of the public with useful information to report cybercrime-related activities through the NPF-NCCC e-reporting platform and official communication channels.
