Nigeria Immigration Service Uncovers Cybercrime Ring, Detains 90 Suspects in Rivers

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Rivers State Command, has apprehended 90 individuals suspected of engaging in fraudulent online activities aimed at swindling Nigerians. The arrests were made in collaboration with other security agencies at the suspects’ hideout in the state.

YI Abdulmajeed, the Rivers State Comptroller of the NIS, confirmed that 94 people were taken into custody during the operation. However, after thorough profiling, it was revealed that 85 of the suspects were from Cameroon, five were from Chad, and four were Nigerians. Among those arrested, 74 were males and 20 were females.

Abdulmajeed explained that the 90 foreign nationals had entered Nigeria through unauthorized routes and failed to produce any valid travel documents or residence cards during interrogation. In addition to the foreigners, two Nigerians, who had been providing accommodation to the suspects, were also arrested for their involvement.

The NIS Comptroller also stated that the Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, has instructed that the necessary steps be taken to repatriate the arrested foreigners to their respective countries of origin. The operation highlights the growing concern over illegal immigration and cross-border cybercrime activities within Nigeria.