Nigeria Roundup: Cybercrime convictions, Warning on fraud, Interstate robbery ring busted

59 Chinese, Malaysians convicted in Abuja cybercrime ring

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 59 foreign nationals, who are citizens of China and Malaysia, for their roles in a major cybercrime syndicate uncovered in November 2024. The group was part of 130 suspects arrested during a police raid in Jahi, Abuja, involving large-scale internet fraud and sophisticated hacking schemes, the Punch reports. Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the convictions bring the total number of convicted individuals in the case to 85. “This is a milestone in our efforts to combat cybercrime and safeguard national security,” he said, noting that 21 were sentenced in August and five in September. The case underscores Nigeria’s intensifying crackdown on transnational cybercrime. Student leader warns fraud is damaging Nigeria’s identity

Fraud, cyberattacks threaten Nigeria’s identity

Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Federal Capital Territory (NANS-FCT), ThankGod Chimenem, has urged Nigerian youth to shun cybercrime and online fraud, warning that such acts threaten the nation’s global reputation. Speaking at a cybersecurity summit at the University of Abuja, he called on students to become “protectors and innovators” of Nigeria’s digital future. “In an age where technology powers every aspect of our lives, our ability to innovate and secure our digital systems has become a matter of national importance,” he is quoted by the Punch. He warned that cyberattacks, fake news, and fraud could undermine Nigeria’s rise as a leading digital economy.

Police dismantle interstate armed robbery gang

The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a violent interstate robbery syndicate operating across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Edo States. Four suspects, Taiwo Alabi, Ogedengbe Lewis, Ighodalo Enato Francis, and Osaro Eghe Abiodun, were arrested, including an Uber driver and a church priest. Police recovered weapons, ammunition, a pump-action rifle, an English pistol, and charms, The Nation Online reports. The driver admitted to ferrying the gang for ₦500,000 (approximately US$400) in one night, knowing they carried firearms. Their arrest followed a coordinated operation against rising car theft and highway robberies.

UN delegation to visit Nigeria on IDP progress

A high-level UN delegation will visit Nigeria from October 20 to 22 to assess progress in addressing the country’s 3.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Led by Ugochi Daniels (IOM), Raouf Mazou (UNHCR) and Shoko Noda (UNDP), the mission will engage with government officials and humanitarian agencies. Despite ongoing efforts, 7.8 million people in northern Nigeria still require aid due to insurgency, banditry, and climate displacement. The visit aims to spotlight Nigeria’s resettlement efforts and lingering humanitarian gaps.

1.6 million children to receive measles-rubella vaccines

The government of Taraba State has launched a mass immunisation campaign targeting 1.6 million children against measles, rubella, HPV, and polio. First Lady Angyin Agbu Kefas, speaking in Jalingo, urged parents to ensure full participation. “Let us work hand in hand to ensure that no child is left behind,” she said, assuring that vaccines are safe and essential. The campaign is part of a wider national strategy to prevent a resurgence of preventable childhood diseases.