Nigerian Police Crack Down on Cybercrime: 130 Arrested in Abuja Raid.

In a bold move to tackle cybercrime, the Nigerian Police Force has arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, for alleged involvement in high-level hacking and cybercrimes that threaten national security. The foreign nationals, primarily from China and Malaysia, were apprehended in a coordinated raid on a building in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja.

 The Raid

Led by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Benneth Igweh, the operation involved officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC). The suspects were caught using sophisticated devices and computers to facilitate their criminal activities.

Investigation and Charges

According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police are investigating the matter and analyzing exhibits recovered from the suspects. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects will be charged to court.

Cybercrime Threat

This arrest highlights the growing concern of cybercrime in Nigeria. The National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has been working to combat cybercrime, particularly among young people. The centre aims to synergize AI and infrastructure to strengthen cybersecurity.

 Breakdown of Arrests

– 113 foreign nationals (87 males, 26 females)
– 17 Nigerians (4 males, 3 females)

This operation demonstrates the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting national security.

Nigerian Military Jets Take Down Terrorists Targeting Transmission Lines Repair in Niger State.

In a swift and decisive operation, Nigerian Air Force fighter jets eliminated a group of terrorists planning to disrupt the repair of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line in Niger State. This move comes after the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) attributed the recent power outage in parts of the Northern region to the destruction of power generating facilities by terrorists.

According to Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters converging to disrupt the repair. The Air Force engaged the terrorists, neutralizing several fighters and their logistics.

The operation, conducted on November 1, 2024, targeted terrorist positions in the Alawa Forest, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. This mission aligns with ongoing efforts to secure power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted progress in restoring electricity to affected areas.

Key Highlights:

– Terrorist Threat Neutralized: Nigerian Air Force fighter jets eliminated terrorists planning to disrupt transmission line repair.
– Power Restoration Efforts: The operation supports power restoration in Kaduna and other northwestern states.
– Airspace Dominance: The Air Force maintains control of the airspace to prevent terrorist interference.
– Collaboration: The Nigerian Air Force works with other security agencies to protect vital infrastructure.

The Nigerian Air Force has intensified armed reconnaissance along critical power lines from Shiroro Lake to Damba, ensuring the swift and full restoration of essential services for Kaduna and neighboring states. This sustained mission demonstrates the Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding vital infrastructure and supporting the well-being of Nigerian citizens.

Hon. Egbala Bassey Wins ABI Local Government Chairmanship Election.

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, ABI Local Government Area experienced a momentous political shift as large crowds gathered in various wards to hear the results of the local government elections. The Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), situated in the metropolis of Calabar served as the central hub for these announcements.

At approximately noon, the CROSIEC Collation Centre was bustling with prominent figures, including Chairman Dr. Ekong Edet Bocco and Secretary Dr. Lawrence Edu. They were joined by notable dignitaries such as APC State Chairman Alphonsus O. Eba Esq. JP, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor, returning officers from eight local government areas, representatives from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), heads of security agencies, Local Government levels APC chairmen, including the ABI APC Chairman Hon. Pastor Joshua Igboke, and members of the press.

In his opening address, Dr. Bocco welcomed the attendees and announced that results from various Local Government Areas were ready and others still trickling in. He explained that delays in receiving results from some areas were due to their remote and high level of interiorness of the locations of some our Council wards terrains but assured everyone that the commission would begin announcing the available results promptly.

Dr. Bocco revealed that ten political parties participated in the elections across Cross River State, but in ABI LGA, the contest was primarily among four: the All Progressives Congress (APC), the All People’s Party (APP), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The results were impressive: the APP secured 146 votes (0.47% of the total), the PDP garnered 811 votes (2.75%), while the APC achieved a remarkable 26,265 valid votes, representing 85.95% of the total votes cast.

Dr. Ekong Bocco officially announced Hon. Chief Egbala Bassey of the APC as the winner of the ABI Local Government Council elections, confirming that he met all legal requirements and decisively won the majority. Bassey’s victory marks a significant milestone for both him and the APC in ABI LGA.

Following the declaration for ABI, the commission moved on to announce results for the other remaining local government areas.

This election signals a new chapter for ABI Local Government Area, paving the way for future governance and political engagement in Cross River State.

The video is as presented herein below;

Imoke Etorti, Ph.D.
Reporting from CROSIEC Collation Centre