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Nigeria News (Standard)

Police Arrest Suspects in Kano, Katsina and Zamfara Over ₦7.7bn Telecom Data Fraud

NPF-NCCC recovers nearly ₦90m, real estate and vehicle; telecom firm reverses ₦3.8bn in stolen data

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NPF-NCCC recovers nearly ₦90m, real estate and vehicle; telecom firm reverses ₦3.8bn in stolen data

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have dismantled a major syndicate accused of orchestrating a ₦7.7 billion telecom data fraud across Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states. The arrests, announced on Thursday, followed coordinated raids in May 2026 after a leading telecommunications company reported unauthorised access to its network.

According to the NPF-NCCC spokesperson, DSP Unwana Imah, the investigation began when staff login credentials were compromised, allowing both insider and external actors to illegally access the company’s billing platform between 1 October and 28 November 2024. The suspects allegedly generated fraudulent airtime which was later converted to data bundles and sold nationwide through an extensive vendor network.

The police said over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones and several POS machines were seized during raids in the three states. Asset tracing led to the recovery of nearly ₦90 million in cash, two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 — all believed to have been purchased with proceeds of the crime. The telecommunications company was able to reverse about 2,931.79 terabytes of stolen data valued at approximately ₦3.8 billion.

Key suspects arrested include Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed, along with Musa Hassan Mohammed (an IT specialist), Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu — all of whom are believed by investigators to have played significant roles or benefited from the scheme. “In the course of the investigation, several suspects were arrested and over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, POS machines, cash exhibits and other evidential materials were recovered,” Imah said in a statement.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure while urging members of the public with useful information to support ongoing investigations through NPF-NCCC channels. The police added that efforts are ongoing to trace additional assets linked to the syndicate and ensure prosecution of all those involved. Cybercrime targeting telecoms has become a growing concern for operators nationwide as they invest more in cybersecurity measures.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/police-arrest-suspects-in-naira77bn-telecom-data-fraud-recover-houses-cash-and-vehicle-2026061911021053617

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West

One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

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One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.

According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.

Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.

SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.

The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP

Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

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Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”

Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.

The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/us-strikes-in-nigeria-prevented-mass-killing-of-christians-trump/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

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Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.

Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.

Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.

Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.

As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/891151-former-super-eagles-coach-adegboye-onigbinde-buried-in-modakeke.html

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