Inside The ₦7.7BN Data Bundle Heist: Police Nab Telecom Hackers, Recover Houses, Cash, SUV

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered what investigators describe as a massive telecom fraud scheme involving the illegal generation and distribution of data bundles valued at about ₦7.7 billion, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of assets believed to be proceeds of crime.

The breakthrough was announced by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC, which disclosed that the investigation began following a complaint by a major telecommunications company over the compromise and unauthorized use of staff login credentials.

According to the police, preliminary findings revealed that between October 1 and November 28, 2024, the suspects unlawfully gained access to the company’s network billing infrastructure and fraudulently generated airtime which was subsequently converted into data bundles.

The illegally acquired data bundles were allegedly distributed through a network of vendors operating across the country, creating what investigators described as a sophisticated fraud ring involving both insiders and external collaborators.

Providing details of the operation, the NPF-NCCC said several suspects were arrested while a massive cache of digital equipment and other exhibits was recovered.

“In the course of the investigation, several suspects were arrested and over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, POS machines, cash exhibits and other evidential materials were recovered,” the police said.

The telecommunications company was also able to reverse approximately 2,931.79 terabytes of fraudulently obtained data valued at about ₦3.8 billion, significantly reducing the financial impact of the breach.

Police investigators said further inquiries uncovered the involvement of individuals both within and outside the affected telecom system, prompting a second phase of operations.

Acting on intelligence, operatives of the NPF-NCCC launched coordinated raids 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 alleged fraud include Musa Hassan Mohammed, described as an IT specialist, as well as Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu, all of whom investigators believe benefited from the proceeds of the criminal enterprise.

The police said sustained financial investigations and asset-tracing efforts yielded significant recoveries, including nearly ₦90 million in cash and high-value properties suspected to have been acquired from the proceeds of the fraud.

“Through sustained financial investigation and asset tracing, operatives recovered the total sum of almost ₦90,000,000 including two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza, as well as a Toyota RAV4 vehicle being part of the proceeds of the crime,” the statement said.

Authorities noted that investigations remain ongoing as efforts continue to identify additional accomplices, trace further proceeds linked to the operation and ensure the prosecution of all individuals found culpable.

Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to strengthen measures aimed at protecting critical digital infrastructure and combating cybercrime in all its forms.

The police also called on members of the public with useful information relating to cybercrime and related offences to assist ongoing investigations by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.