The Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre has successfully apprehended 16 suspects involved in a significant financial fraud against Interswitch Limited, a leading African digital commerce platform.
According to The PUNCH, this operation has led to the recovery of N3.9 billion in cash and properties, with ongoing efforts to reclaim additional funds.
During a joint press briefing of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja on Monday, the spokesperson for the Department of State Services, Peter Afunanya, highlighted the police’s achievements.
Afunanya noted that the arrests and recoveries followed a petition from Interswitch Limited concerning a glitch in its financial portal.
Eight of the arrested suspects have already been convicted.
Afunanya stated, “The Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre tackled a massive financial fraud case, acting on a petition from Interswitch Limited regarding a glitch on its financial portal. The swift response led to the arrest of over 16 suspects, eight of whom have been convicted. The operation recovered over N3.9bn in cash, properties, and vehicles, with ongoing efforts to recover additional looted funds.”
In another significant operation, the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Taraba State command apprehended a notorious kidnapper.
The raid resulted in the seizure of three AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 19 rounds of live ammunition, 23 expended rounds, and five solar panels from the suspect’s premises.
Afunanya added, “Similarly, on July 4, 2024, the Lagos State Command operatives thwarted an attack by a notorious kidnapping gang. In a fierce gun battle, nine kidnappers were neutralised, and significant weaponry, including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, a PoS machine, a loudspeaker, and two operational vehicles were recovered. Investigations continue to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”
Additionally, on April 24, 2024, the police rescued 18-year-old Mallam Adamu Adamu from captivity in Kasda, Jakusko LGA, Yobe State.
The operatives raided the gang’s hideout, arresting three suspects and recovering two AK-47 rifles and a magazine with 26 rounds of live ammunition. The suspects will face charges upon the conclusion of the investigation.
