By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested six suspects in connection with an alleged ₦7.7 billion telecommunications airtime and data fraud scheme.

According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, the operation was carried out by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) following intelligence reports and a detailed investigation into unauthorized access to a telecom company’s digital infrastructure.

How the Fraud Was Carried Out

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly gained unlawful access to the internal systems of a telecommunications company.

Through this breach, they were said to have diverted large volumes of airtime and mobile data, estimated at over ₦7.7 billion.

The stolen digital assets were reportedly resold or redistributed through various channels for financial gain.

Items Recovered

During coordinated raids, the police recovered several items believed to be connected to the operation, including:

• Over 400 laptops
• About 1,000 mobile phones
• A Toyota RAV4 vehicle
• Two mini-plazas

Two residential buildings
Significant funds traced to the suspects’ accounts
The police described the operation as one of the largest cybercrime crackdowns involving telecom infrastructure in recent times.

Next Steps

The suspects are expected to be formally charged to court upon completion of investigations. The Police reaffirmed their commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s digital and telecommunications systems.

Authorities also advised corporate organisations to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks to prevent similar breaches.