The National Cyber Crime Centre of the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended 16 individuals in connection with financial deceit perpetrated against Interswitch Limited, a prominent digital platform in Africa.
An amount totaling N3.9 billion in cash and assets has been successfully traced and seized from the accused parties, with ongoing endeavors to recuperate more funds.
Presenting the recent accomplishments of the authorities during a joint press conference of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja on Monday, Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the Department of State Services, disclosed that the arrests and retrievals were initiated subsequent to a complaint filed by Interswitch Limited regarding an anomaly in its financial system.
He further stated that eight of the individuals had already been prosecuted.
In his words, Afunanya remarked, “The extensive anti-fraud operation carried out by the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre was as a result of a report received from Interswitch Limited concerning an anomaly in its financial system.
“In response, swift actions were taken which led to the apprehension of more than 16 suspects, with eight already facing legal consequences. The operation resulted in the retrieval of over 3.9 billion naira in cash, assets, and vehicles, with ongoing efforts underway to reclaim additional embezzled funds.”
Afunanya also highlighted the arrest made by the Taraba police of a notorious kidnapper.
He elaborated, “Concurrently, the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad within the Taraba State command successfully arrested a well-known abductor, confiscating three AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 19 live rounds of ammunition, 23 spent shells, and five solar panels from the suspect’s premises.”
He also mentioned that the police intervened to disrupt a kidnapping attempt and neutralize nine perpetrators.
Afunanya revealed, “Likewise, on July 4, 2024, operatives from the Lagos State command managed to thwart an assault by a notorious kidnapping syndicate. Following an intense exchange of gunfire, nine kidnappers were eliminated, and substantial weaponry, including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-crafted semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three communication devices, a POS terminal, a loudspeaker, and two operational vehicles were seized. Efforts are ongoing to capture the fleeing suspects.
“Furthermore, in another significant case on April 24, 2024, law enforcement successfully liberated 18-year-old Mallam Adamu Adamu from confinement in Kasda, Jakusko Local Government Area of Yobe State. A police operation was conducted to raid the gang’s hideout, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the retrieval of two AK-47 rifles and a magazine loaded with 26 live rounds of ammunition. Upon the finalization of the investigation, the suspects will face prosecution in court.”