NPF-NCCC Smashes ₦7.7 Billion Telecom Fraud Syndicate

​In a massive blow to cybercriminals targeting critical digital infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has cracked open a sophisticated cross-country syndicate responsible for an astronomical ₦7.7 billion telecom data fraud. The breakthrough highlights the rising sophistication of cyber-theft in the country and underscores the high-stakes battle to secure the digital systems powering Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

​ValidViewNetwork reports that the investigation commenced following a complaint by a leading telecommunications service provider alleging the compromise and unauthorized use of staff login credentials. In a meticulous, multi-wave operation spanning several months, police operatives successfully tracked down both the internal collaborators and external vendors who systematically drained the provider’s billing infrastructure. ValidViewNetwork reports that 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, according to what ValidViewNetwork reports.

​The scale of the recovery and assets seized during the raids underscores the massive footprint of the operation. Law enforcement recovered over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, POS machines, and cash exhibits, while the telecom provider managed to claw back approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data valued at about ₦3.8 billion. Sustained asset tracing during a May 2026 sweep across Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states led to the arrest of key suspects, including Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki, and Aminu Muhammed, as ValidViewNetwork reports. Other individuals pulled into the dragnet include Musa Hassan Mohammed, an IT specialist, Samson Alisigwe, and Yusuf Shehu. Operatives also recovered nearly ₦90,000,000 in physical assets, seizing two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza, and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle bought with the proceeds of crime.

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​Reassuring the public of ongoing vigilance, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc(+), npm, “reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting the nation’s critical digital infrastructure and combating cybercrime in all its forms.” The authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious digital activities. “Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact the NPF-NCCC through its e-reporting portal at nccc.npf.gov.ng or through the official NPF-NCCC social media channels,” stated DSP Unwana Imah, Police Public Liaison Officer for the NPF-NCCC, Abuja. As the police push forward with asset tracing and accomplice identification, this landmark bust sends an unmistakable, ironclad warning to cyber-syndicates nationwide that Nigeria’s digital borders are fiercely defended and no digital thief can hide forever.