RismadarVoice Reporters, June 19, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested several suspects in connection with the alleged theft of telecommunications services valued at about ₦7.7 billion through the compromise of a network provider’s billing infrastructure.
The breakthrough was recorded by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) following an extensive investigation into allegations of computer-related fraud, unauthorised access to computer systems and theft of telecom services.
According to a statement issued by the Force, the investigation began after a leading telecommunications company reported that its staff login credentials had been compromised and used to gain unauthorised access to its network.
Preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects allegedly infiltrated the company’s billing infrastructure and fraudulently generated airtime, which was subsequently converted into data bundles and distributed through a network of vendors across the country.
Police said several suspects were arrested during the operation, while investigators recovered more than 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, Point of Sale (POS) machines, cash exhibits and other incriminating materials.
The telecommunications provider was also said to have reversed approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently acquired data, valued at about ₦3.8 billion.
Further investigations uncovered the involvement of both insiders and external collaborators in the scheme.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the NPF-NCCC conducted coordinated operations in Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states in May 2026, leading to the arrest of key suspects identified as Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed.
Other suspects arrested in connection with the case include Musa Hassan Mohammed, described as an IT specialist, as well as Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, who are believed to have benefited from the proceeds of the alleged fraud.
The police disclosed that sustained financial investigations and asset-tracing efforts led to the recovery of nearly ₦90 million, alongside two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 vehicle, all suspected to be proceeds of the crime.
Authorities said investigations are continuing to identify additional accomplices, trace more assets linked to the operation and ensure the prosecution of all those found culpable.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the country’s critical digital infrastructure and tackling cybercrime.
He stressed that the Force would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies and advanced cybercrime-fighting capabilities to protect businesses, institutions and citizens from digital threats.
