By Abel Johngold Orheruata
The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI) has commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for dismantling a major foreign cybercrime cartel operating in Abuja. The operation, which led to the arrest of 113 foreigners—primarily Chinese nationals—was described as a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime.
The sting operation, carried out by the National Cybercrime Centre and Zone 7 Command, targeted the syndicate’s base in Abuja’s Jahi area on November 3, 2024. Seized at the scene were high-tech operational gadgets, including drones, dozens of laptops, smartphones, and modems linked to various network providers. Currencies from multiple countries, particularly U.S. dollars, were also recovered, allegedly used in their illicit activities.
The cartel, described as one of the largest scam operations globally, is said to have been involved in money laundering, international fraud, and scams targeting banks and multinational corporations. Investigations revealed that the group used sophisticated techniques, such as desktop and chip duplication, to bypass even the most advanced cybersecurity systems while pretending to operate as Nigerians from the capital city.
The arrested individuals were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 2, 2024. Their activities have reportedly contributed to tarnishing Nigeria’s reputation internationally, with INTERPOL frequently attributing global cybercrimes to Nigerian actors.
SSPTI Applauds the Police and Challenges INTERPOL
In a statement issued in Warri, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, National Coordinator of SSPTI, lauded the National Cybercrime Centre and Zone 7 Command for their diligence and success in dismantling the cartel. He emphasized that the achievement reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s global standing as one of the most effective law enforcement bodies.
Dr. Alozie also criticized INTERPOL for its repeated claims linking Nigerian individuals and groups, such as the allegedly non-existent Black Axe Confraternity, to global cybercrimes. He accused INTERPOL of failing to conduct thorough investigations and relying on unverified information that unfairly discredits Nigeria on the international stage.
He cited the case of Michael Neu, a 67-year-old American from Louisiana, who was arrested in the U.S. for scamming victims while impersonating a Nigerian prince. Dr. Alozie argued that such incidents highlight the flawed narratives often pushed by international security organizations.
Call for Accountability
SSPTI has urged INTERPOL to release the names, photos, and locations of the over 300 Nigerians it claims to have arrested for cybercrimes globally. This, the group asserts, would allow for proper scrutiny and verification of the claims, thereby reinforcing transparency and accountability.
Dr. Alozie stated, “This recent breakthrough by the Nigeria Police Force exposes the agenda to deliberately malign Nigeria’s reputation by spreading falsehoods. INTERPOL must conduct its investigations with due diligence and avoid relying on baseless narratives.”
He concluded by advising INTERPOL to focus on combating cybercrime with greater professionalism and to avoid undermining Nigeria’s integrity through unsubstantiated claims.
Conclusion
The SSPTI’s statement underscores a growing frustration with the international community’s perception of Nigeria’s role in cybercrime. This recent crackdown by the NPF not only disrupts a significant foreign syndicate but also challenges longstanding narratives that disproportionately implicate Nigerians in global cybercriminal activities.