By Festus Fifen
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has recorded another operational breakthrough following the arrest of five suspects in connection with the alleged diversion of mobile devices valued at over $100,000, shipped from Dubai to Nigeria.
The investigation followed a petition dated 19th June 2026 alleging criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, stealing and fraudulent conversion in connection with consignments entrusted to a logistics company for delivery to Nigeria.
In a statement by Police Public Relations Liaison Officer Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) DSP Unwana Imah, the consignments comprised 222 iPhones and 15 smartwatches purchased from suppliers in Dubai. Upon receipt of the shipment on 11th June 2026, the complainant discovered that the mobile devices had allegedly been removed and substituted with newspapers and phone chargers.
Preliminary investigation indicated that a foreign national associated with the logistics company allegedly absconded with the devices.
Through intelligence-led investigation and forensic analysis, operatives of the NPF-NCCC traced some of the devices to Nigeria, leading to the arrest of suspects in Ibadan, Lagos and Kano States, and the recovery of some of the stolen devices.
Preliminary findings further indicate that some of the suspects allegedly obtained the devices through a dealer in Dubai. Investigation is ongoing to trace and recover the remaining devices, establish the roles of all persons connected to the transaction and apprehend other suspects who may be involved.
The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, remains committed to deploying intelligence, technology and digital forensic capabilities in combating cybercrime and other technology-enabled criminal activities, while protecting individuals and businesses within Nigeria’s increasingly digital economy.
The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
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