Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have arrested key suspects in connection with an alleged ₦7.7 billion telecom fraud involving the compromise of a major service provider’s billing infrastructure and the illegal sale of data across the country.
The arrests followed an extensive investigation into allegations of computer-related fraud, unauthorized access to computer systems and theft of telecommunications services reported by a leading telecommunications company.
According to the Police Public Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, the investigation began after the telecommunications provider reported the compromise and unauthorized use of staff login credentials.
“The investigation commenced following a complaint by a leading telecommunications service provider alleging the compromise and unauthorized use of staff login credentials,” Imah said.
Preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects allegedly gained unlawful access to the company’s network billing infrastructure, generating airtime that was subsequently converted into data bundles and distributed through a network of vendors nationwide.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, suspects unlawfully gained access to the company’s network billing infrastructure and fraudulently generated airtime which was subsequently converted to data bundles. The data bundles were thereafter distributed and sold through a network of vendors across the country,” he stated.
The police said the operation led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a large cache of exhibits, including over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, Point of Sale (POS) machines, cash and other evidential materials.
According to Imah, the affected telecommunications company was also able to reverse approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently acquired data valued at about ₦3.8 billion.
During the course of the investigation, detectives uncovered the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators who allegedly facilitated the scheme.
“Further investigation established the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators,” Imah disclosed.
He explained that a second phase of coordinated operations was carried out in May 2026 across Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states, resulting in the arrest of additional suspects believed to be central figures in the fraud network.
“In the second wave of the operation, conducted in May 2026, acting on actionable intelligence, operatives of the NPF-NCCC carried out coordinated operations in Kano, Katsina and Zamfara States leading to the arrest of key suspects including Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed,” he said.
Other suspects arrested in connection with the investigation include Musa Hassan Mohammed, described as an IT specialist, as well as Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, who investigators believe benefited from the proceeds of the alleged fraud.
The police further disclosed that sustained financial investigation and asset tracing led to the recovery of significant assets suspected to have been acquired from the proceeds of the crime.
“Through sustained financial investigation and asset tracing, operatives recovered the total sum of almost ₦90 million, including two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle, being part of the proceeds of the crime,” Imah stated.
He noted that efforts were ongoing to identify additional accomplices, recover more assets and ensure that all those involved face prosecution.
“Investigation is ongoing with a view to identifying other accomplices, tracing additional proceeds and ensuring the prosecution of all persons found culpable,” he added.
The spokesperson said the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure and tackling cybercrime.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and combating cybercrime in all its forms,” Imah said.
The latest breakthrough is one of the largest cybercrime-related investigations undertaken by the NPF-NCCC in recent years and underscores growing concerns over the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure to sophisticated cyber threats.
The police urged members of the public with relevant information to support ongoing investigations by reporting suspicious cyber activities through the NPF-NCCC reporting channels.
