The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has reported a recovery of over N8bn and $84,000.
The NPF-NCCC disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing the press on its achievements in the past year.
A communique issued after the briefing, signed by the spokesperson of the police force, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the amounts had been “restituted to the victims of cybercrime.”
In the past year, the Cybercrime Unit said its operatives arrested and prosecuted over 751 individuals involved in cybercrime.
“The unit has successfully recovered a total of 685 devices that were used in these nefarious activities, which include 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops and computers, 46 routers, 4 servers, 1 drone, and four Starlink devices,” the unit said.
The police said that the operations of the unit further led to the confiscation of 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles
“In recognition of its outstanding performance and dedication, the NPF-NCCC has been awarded the title of the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024 by the INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate based in Singapore, securing the top position among 54 participating African countries.
“These achievements reflect the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to fighting cybercrime and enhancing the safety of citizens in the digital space,” the police added.
The NPF-NCCC also said that it apprehended four suspects, including Douglass Victor, Egbo Efe Martins, Lucky Adesunloye, and Ndifreke Joseph Moody for various cyber-related offences.
The police said it remains committed towards combating cyber threats, staying steps ahead of cybercriminals, thereby enhancing the nation’s overall cybersecurity framework and protecting the welfare of its citizens in the digital era.
“Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when sharing sensitive data or interacting with unfamiliar online entities, cultivating a culture of cyber awareness and promoting responsible online behavior are essential components in fortifying the defences against cyber threats,” the police said.