In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, said the investigation uncovered the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators in the sophisticated fraud operation.
According to the statement, the case originated from a complaint lodged by a leading telecommunications company after discovering that staff login credentials had been compromised and unlawfully used.
Investigators found that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects infiltrated the company’s billing infrastructure and fraudulently generated airtime, which was later converted into data bundles. The illegally acquired data was subsequently distributed and sold through a network of vendors operating across the country.
“In the course of the investigation, several suspects were arrested and over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, POS machines, cash exhibits and other evidential materials were recovered,” Imah said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the affected telecommunications company successfully reversed about 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data, estimated to be worth approximately ₦3.8 billion.
Further findings revealed the active participation of both company insiders and external accomplices in the operation.
As part of an expanded phase of the investigation carried out in May 2026, operatives of the NPF-NCCC acted on intelligence reports and executed coordinated operations in Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states. The raids led to the arrest of key suspects, including Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed.
Other individuals apprehended in connection with the case were identified as Musa Hassan Mohammed, an IT specialist, Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, all of whom are suspected to have profited from the proceeds of the criminal enterprise.
Through financial intelligence and asset-tracing efforts, investigators recovered close to ₦90 million as well as assets believed to have been acquired with proceeds from the fraud. The recovered properties include two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle.
The police said efforts are continuing to identify additional suspects, trace more assets linked to the crime and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure and intensifying the fight against cybercrime.
He also called on members of the public with useful information to support ongoing investigations by reporting through the communication channels of the NPF-NCCC.