Police Bust ₦7.7bn Telecom Data Fraud Syndicate, Recover Assets Worth Millions
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested several suspects linked to a massive telecommunications data fraud estimated at ₦7.7 billion, following an extensive investigation into the unauthorized access of a leading telecom operator’s billing infrastructure.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, the investigation began after a telecommunications service provider reported the compromise and unlawful use of staff login credentials.
Preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects allegedly infiltrated the company’s network billing system and fraudulently generated airtime, which was subsequently converted into data bundles.
The illegally obtained data was then distributed and sold through a network of vendors across the country.
The police disclosed that several suspects were arrested during the operation, while more than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, cash exhibits and other incriminating materials were recovered.
The affected telecommunications company was also able to reverse approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently acquired data valued at about ₦3.8 billion.
Further investigations uncovered the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators in the cybercrime operation. Acting on intelligence, NPF-NCCC operatives launched coordinated raids across Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states in May 2026, leading to the arrest of key suspects identified as Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed.
Other suspects arrested include Musa Hassan Mohammed, an IT specialist, as well as Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, who are believed to have benefited from the proceeds of the fraud.
The police said sustained financial investigations and asset tracing led to the recovery of nearly ₦90 million, two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle suspected to be proceeds of the crime.
The NPF-NCCC stated that investigations are ongoing to identify additional accomplices, trace more criminal proceeds and ensure the prosecution of all individuals found culpable.
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 efforts to combat cybercrime.
The police urged members of the public with relevant information to report through the NPF-NCCC e-reporting portal or its official social media platforms.
