The Nigerian Police Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), operationally referred to as the Cyber Hawks, has achieved remarkable milestones in 2024, dismantling 5,049 malicious domains and networks while neutralizing major cybercrime syndicates operating both within and beyond the country’s borders.
The achievements include: 14 convictions secured, and operatives recovered N8.821 billion, $115,237, and $84,000—all of which have been restituted to victims. Additionally, over 751 suspects were arrested and prosecuted for various cybercrime-related offenses.
The Cyber Hawks tackled 508 reported cases, ranging from sextortion to cyberstalking, with meticulous investigations yielding significant results. Among the confiscated items were 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops, 46 routers, four servers, one drone, and four Starlink devices—all tools used by cybercriminals to execute their schemes.
Properties linked to illicit activities were also seized, including 16 houses, 39 plots of land, 14 land documents, and 26 vehicles. These confiscations highlight the growing sophistication and scale of cybercriminal operations in the country.
One of the most notable victories came on December 20, 2024, when Cyber Hawks operatives apprehended a key suspect, Douglass Victor, linked to an international cybercrime syndicate operating on the dark web.
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Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi revealed during a press release on Tuesday, that the syndicate, led by one Diepreye Samuel, specialized in business email compromise (BEC), identity theft, and money laundering. Their primary strategy involved hacking into corporate email accounts, compromising sensitive business communications, and diverting funds for personal gain.
“Thousands of compromised email credentials and login details were recovered from the suspect’s Skype account,” Adejobi said, detailing how the syndicate targeted prominent companies across the globe. During interrogation, Victor confessed to stealing customer email addresses and passwords, enabling the syndicate to intercept business conversations and execute fraudulent transactions.
The efforts of the NPF-NCCC have not gone unnoticed. The International Police Organization (INTERPOL) awarded the unit the title of Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa for 2024, a significant recognition of their strides in combating cyber threats on the continent.
Force PRO Muyiwa Adejobi, alongside NPF-NCCC Director Ifeanyi Uche, attributed the success to intelligence-driven investigations and enhanced collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
The sophisticated operations of syndicates like the one led by Samuel reinforces the evolving nature of cybercrime in Nigeria.
For victims of cybercrime, the recoveries and restitutions offer a glimmer of hope in a landscape often characterized by impunity. The apprehension of key players like Douglass Victor and the dismantling of thousands of malicious networks show that the tide is turning.
While challenges persist, 2024 has proven that with the right tools, intelligence, and dedication, Nigeria’s Cyber Hawks can take the fight to cybercriminals and win. As Adejobi put it, “Our commitment is not just to pursue justice but to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s digital future.”
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Last modified: January 8, 2025
