The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspects for allegedly hacking a major telecom company and diverting airtime and mobile data worth N7.7 billion.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Force Spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects gained unauthorized access to the company’s core systems, exploiting compromised staff login credentials.
The arrested individuals—Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad—are accused of orchestrating the illegal diversion of telecom resources, causing massive financial losses.
During the operation, police recovered two mini plazas and retail outlets, over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, and a Toyota vehicle linked to the suspects. Investigators also traced a substantial amount of money to the suspects’ bank accounts.
Hundeyin said the investigation began after the telecom company reported suspicious activity in its billing and payments systems. Coordinated police operations were carried out in October 2025 across Kano, Katsina, and the Federal Capital Territory, leading to the arrests.
“The syndicate’s activities resulted in financial losses exceeding ₦7.7 billion. The suspects will face court proceedings upon completion of the investigation,” Hundeyin said.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended officers for their diligence and professionalism, noting that the operation highlights the force’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and safeguarding the country’s digital infrastructure.
