The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned 113 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges related to cybercrime, including computer-related fraud, marketing scams, money laundering, and unlawful access to data.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrests were made during a November 3, 2024 operation conducted by the National Cyber Crime Centre and Zone 7 Command in the Jahi suburb of the Federal Capital Territory.

During the operation, police seized an array of sophisticated digital equipment believed to have been used in cybercrime activities. These items included laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers, high-capacity servers, central processing units, drones, multiple SIM cards, gaming devices, and international passports. A Black Toyota Tundra vehicle and a Harman/Kardon sound system were also recovered.

“These assets recovered are suspected to have been used in executing a range of cybercrime activities, including unauthorised data breaches, marketing scams, and other fraudulent operations. The scale and sophistication of the operation underscore the increasing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders,” the statement noted.

The suspects face charges that go beyond cybercrime, including immigration offences and links to human trafficking networks.

“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,” the statement added.

Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun pledged the Force’s commitment to leveraging technology to protect Nigerians both physically and digitally.

“The Force is well-dedicated and well-equipped to combat cases of cybercrime in the country,” the statement read, adding that the police will work closely with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to address transnational criminal activities.