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 Nigeria, citing major operational successes recorded by the unit.
In its recently published 2025 Annual Report on Cybercrime in Nigeria, the UNODC highlighted the NPF-NCCC’s growing impact, including the arrest of 93 Chinese nationals and other Asian suspects linked to large-scale cyber-enabled crimes. The operation, the report noted, has boosted the Centre’s profile and effectiveness in combating cybercrime.
According to the report, the NPF-NCCC achieved notable milestones in financial restitution and asset recovery. In 2024 alone, the Centre recovered ₦8,821,001,881.05, 115,237.91 USDT (cryptocurrency), and $84,000 USD from cybercrime proceeds, all of which were returned to victims. The unit also dismantled 685 devices used in cybercrime operations.
The UNODC commendation follows another recent recognition in which the NPF-NCCC was named the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore, outperforming units from 54 African countries. The Centre was also praised for upgrading its public complaints process to an e-reporting platform, simplifying access for citizens reporting cyber-related offences.
While presenting copies of the report to the Director of the NPF-NCCC, UNODC officials reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continued support for the Centre through financial assistance, specialised training, and the provision of advanced technological tools to enhance operational efficiency.
Reacting, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the UNODC for its sustained collaboration and reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure cyberspace for all.
