UNODC hails NPF-NCCC strides in fight against cybercrimes

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) for its significant contributions to strengthening cybersecurity in the country.

The spokesperson of Nigeria Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said in a statement on Saturday that UNODC commended the NPF-NCC in its recently published 2025 Annual Report on Cybercrime in Nigeria.

According to the statement, the UNODC report highlighted NPF-NCC’s major achievements for the year.

He said the achievements listed by the body include the recent arrest of 93 Chinese nationals and other Asian suspects involved in large-scale cyber-enabled crimes—an operation that has elevated the Unit’s profile and impact in the cyberspace.

UNODC further noted that the Unit has recorded remarkable successes across several operational phases, particularly in financial restitution.

He noted that in 2024 alone, the Centre recovered large sums of illicit proceeds, including ₦8,821,001,881.05, 115,237.91 USDT (cryptocurrency), and $84,000 USD.

He added that all the recovered funds were returned to victims. In addition, the Unit dismantled 685 devices linked to cybercrime activities.

Hundeyin further noted that the UNODC’s commendation followed recent declaration of the NPF-NCC AS the Best cybercrime Unit in Africa by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore.

The NCC-NPF, Hundeyin said, outperformed units from 54 countries across the continent to earn the declaration.

The NPF spokesperson said the center has also been praised for upgrading its public complaint system to an e-reporting platform, making it easier for members of the public to report cyber-related crimes.

He quoted Director of NPF-NCCC as reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to supporting the Unit through financial assistance, training, and the provision of advanced technological tools to enhance operational efficiency when he received the report from the UNODC.

Hundeyin also quoted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetoku as commending the UNODC for its continued collaboration while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to ensuring a safer cyberspace for all.