The Nigeria Police Force has collaborated with the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA) to strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at combating ever-growing menace of cybercrime.
This was contained in a press release by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oluwamuyiwa Adejobi on Monday, where he explained details of a press briefing event at the NPF National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC).
According to him, the event highlighted the strength and effectiveness of the ongoing international partnership, with focus on the successful operation that resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects involved in serious crimes targeting Japanese victims from Nigeria.
“In a significant event, a press briefing at the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) highlighted the strength and effectiveness of the ongoing international partnership, focusing on the successful operation that resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects involved in serious crimes such as identity theft, romance scams, and computer-related fraud that targeted Japanese victims from Nigeria.” He said.
He further revealed the NPF past successful collaborations that yielded tangible results, one of which involves working with the Nigeria’s National Central Bureau and the NCB Tokyo to investigate a reported crime that led to the apprehension of eleven individuals and unveiled an extensive network that exploited social media platforms, particularly Instagram, luring unsuspecting victims into fraudulent romantic relationships.
In his words, “On April 3, 2024, the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, working in conjunction with Nigeria’s National Central Bureau and the NCB Tokyo, received reports regarding five cybercrime cases linked to 13 identified threat actors operating from Nigeria. The subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of eleven individuals and unveiled an extensive network that exploited social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent romantic relationships. Victims were duped into transferring funds through wire transactions, which were eventually converted into cryptocurrency and funneled to various digital wallets in Nigeria”.
In addition, he revealed a $33,220 recovery at the early stage of the investigation with ongoing efforts to reclaim additional stolen funds and dismantle those involved.
“The preliminary stages of the investigation yielded the recovery of $33,320, with ongoing efforts to reclaim additional stolen funds and dismantle the entire syndicate responsible for these crimes.” He said.
Moreso, the NPF re-establishes its commitment to securing lives and property in both physical and digital space and showed readiness in using all available resources to fight cybercrime.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in both the physical and digital space and stands ready to deploy all available resources and leverage emerging technologies to combat cybercrime. The NPF remains steadfast in its resolve to protect our nation and ensure public safety for all.” Adejobi said.
