UNODC Commends the Nigerian Police Cybercrime Centre for Major Gains Against Digital Crime

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has praised the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) for its growing impact in the fight against cybercrime, describing the unit as a key functional pillar in strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework.

The commendation is contained in UNODC’s 2025 Annual Report on Cybercrime in Nigeria, which highlights several high-profile successes recorded by the Centre, including the recent arrest of 93 Chinese nationals and other Asian suspects linked to large-scale cyber-enabled criminal networks. According to the report, the operation significantly raised the profile and effectiveness of the unit within the digital crime space.

UNODC noted that the NPF-NCCC recorded remarkable operational successes in 2024, particularly in financial recovery and victim restitution. Within the year, the Centre recovered illicit proceeds amounting to ₦8.82 billion, 115,237.91 USDT in cryptocurrency, and $84,000, all of which were returned to victims. The unit also dismantled 685 devices connected to cybercrime activities during the period.

The recognition from UNODC follows another recent international endorsement, as the NPF-NCCC was named the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore. The award placed the Nigerian unit ahead of counterparts from 54 African countries, underscoring its rising influence on the continent.

The report also applauded the Centre’s efforts to modernise public engagement by upgrading its complaint system to an e-reporting platform, allowing members of the public to report cyber-related crimes more easily and efficiently.

While presenting copies of the report to the Director of the NPF-NCCC, UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the unit through financial assistance, specialised training, and advanced technological tools aimed at improving operational efficiency.

In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended UNODC for its continued collaboration and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure cyberspace for citizens and businesses.