Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in its recently published 2025 Annual Report on Cybercrime in Nigeria, has commended the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) for its significant contributions to strengthening cybersecurity in the country. The report highlights the Centre’s major achievements, including the recent arrest of 93 Chinese nationals and other Asian suspects involved in large-scale cyber-enabled crimes—an operation that has elevated the Unit’s profile and impact in the cyberspace. This was contained in a statement signed by CSP. Benjamin Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
UNODC further noted that the unit has recorded remarkable successes across several operational phases, particularly in financial restitution. In 2024 alone, the Centre recovered large sums of illicit proceeds, including ₦8,821,001,881.05, 115,237.91 USDT (cryptocurrency), and $84,000 USD. All recovered funds were returned to victims. In addition, the unit dismantled 685 devices linked to cybercrime activities.
The UNODC’s commendation comes on the heels of another recent commendation wherein the centre was named the Best cybercrime Unit in Africa by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore, outperforming units from 54 countries across the continent. The centre has also been praised for upgrading its public complaint system to an e-reporting platform, making it easier for members of the public to report cyber-related crimes.
While presenting copies of the report to the Director of NPF-NCCC, UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the unit through financial assistance, training, and the provision of advanced technological tools to enhance operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, commended UNODC for its continued collaboration and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to ensuring a safer cyberspace for all.
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