…..As IGP directs a comprehensive investigation into the Amnesty International claims.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has underlined the Nigeria Police’s proficiency in combating cybercrimes and safeguarding cyberspace within and outside of Nigeria.
The IGP disclosed this while praising the police officers assigned to Zone 7 command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja for apprehending a group of foreign nationals engaged in various cybercrimes, such as marketing scams and internet fraud.
Addressing the media on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the suspects were arrested on the 3rd of November 2024 in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“During the investigation, operatives of the NPF-NCCC recovered a vast array of digital critical evidence, believed to be instrumental in the syndicate’s cybercrime operations. The recovered items include 1 Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, laptops of different makes, smartphones of various brands, tablets, desktops, computers and keyboards, Harman/Kardon sound system, MTN routers, Huawei routers, Airtel routers, D-Link routers, Starlink routers, Gamepads, 1 Sony PlayStation 5, a central processing unit, Multiple SIM cards from both local international service Providers, High-capacity servers, Drones and specialized cyber equipment, international passports, identity cards, and travel documents, Adejobi said.
He further said, “These recovered assets are suspected to have been used in executing a range of cybercrime activities, including unauthorized data breaches, marketing scams, and other cybercrime activities. The scale and sophistication of the operation underscore the increasing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders.
“As a follow-up to the investigation and recoveries, compiled with credible evidence against the suspects, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has arraigned the 113 foreign nationals facing serious charges, including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
“The arraignment of these suspects follows extensive investigations that have uncovered the alleged involvement of these individuals in criminal activities spanning both cybercrime, immigration offences and human trafficking networks.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies and Embassies to track and prosecute cybercriminals, combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law.
“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, while reaffirming the commitment of the Force to leverage the emerging technological advancement to protect the citizens of Nigeria both physically and in the digital space, further reiterates that the Force is well-dedicated and well-equipped to combat cases of cybercrime in the country.
On the Amnesty International allegations, Adejobi expressed displeasure over claims on #EndBadGovernance protests.
The Force PRO refuted the allegations as unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports submitted to the office of the Inspector-General of Police by affected Commands.
“The Nigeria Police Force recorded several unpalatable incidents during the protests, which were accurately documented and publicly shared. For example, in Borno State, 4 individuals tragically lost their lives, and 34 others sustained severe injuries following an attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP operatives who infiltrated the protest and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
“Similarly, in another isolated incident, an unregistered vehicle rammed into protesters, resulting in 2 fatalities. These events, which accounted for a total of 7 recorded deaths during the protests, were not caused by police actions.
“Furthermore, in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Niger States, some protesters displayed foreign flags, destroyed public and private property, and attacked police personnel deployed to ensure their safety. The Police Force had to employ strategic measures, including the lawful use of tear gas, to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety.
“The use of tear gas is a globally accepted practice for dispersing unruly crowds and was applied judiciously without recourse to live ammunition.
“It is important to state that the police did not fire live ammunition nor cause the death of any protester. Officers demonstrated professionalism, restraint, and adherence to constitutional and international standards, even when subjected to attacks and injuries”.
Adejobi said the arrests made during the protests targeted individuals engaging in criminal acts such as treason, vandalism, robbery, arson, and looting.
In response to Amnesty International’s allegations, the IGP has directed a comprehensive investigation into the claims.
Egbetokun has also directed Commissioners of Police in the affected states to submit further detailed reports on the incidents within one week.
This directive, he said aims to identify any deviation from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules of engagement, irrespective of the security agencies involved.
