OPERATIVES of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested six suspects over the alleged hacking of a telecommunications company’s systems to divert airtime and mobile data valued at ₦7.7 billion.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement today, noting that the suspects unlawfully gained access to the company’s core operational systems.
He identified them as Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad.
According to the police, items recovered during the operation include two mini plazas converted into retail outlets, more than 400 laptops, about 1,000 mobile phones, and a Toyota vehicle.
Investigations also revealed that a substantial amount of money linked to the alleged fraud was traced to the suspects’ bank accounts.
Hundeyin explained that the breakthrough followed a petition by the affected telecommunications firm, which reported suspicious and unauthorised activities within its billing and payment infrastructure.
Further investigation showed that internal staff login credentials had been compromised, allowing the suspects unlawful access to the company’s systems.
He added that coordinated operations were carried out in Kano and Katsina states in October 2025, with a subsequent arrest made in the Federal Capital Territory.
The police said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended officers of the National Cybercrime Centre for their professionalism in uncovering the syndicate.