The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) for its outstanding contributions to strengthening cybersecurity and combating cybercrime in Nigeria. This commendation is contained in the UNODC’s recently published 2025 Annual Report on Cybercrime in Nigeria, which highlighted the Centre’s significant achievements in disrupting cybercriminal networks and protecting victims of online fraud.
According to the report, the NPF-NCCC gained international recognition following the recent arrest of 93 Chinese nationals and other Asian suspects involved in large-scale cyber-enabled crimes. The operation, UNODC noted, greatly enhanced the Centre’s profile and operational impact in cyberspace. The report further revealed that the Unit recorded remarkable successes in financial recovery and restitution. In 2024 alone, the Centre recovered ₦8.82 billion, 115,237.91 USDT in cryptocurrency, and $84,000 in illicit proceeds from cybercrime activities.
All recovered funds were returned to affected victims. In addition, the NPF-NCCC dismantled 685 electronic devices linked to various cybercrime operations, further weakening criminal networks across the country. UNODC also referenced the Centre’s recent recognition by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore, where it was named the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa, outperforming counterparts from 54 countries. The Centre was equally praised for upgrading its public complaint system to an e-reporting platform, making it easier for citizens to report cyber-related offences. While presenting copies of the report to the Director of the NPF-NCCC, UNODC officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Unit through financial assistance, capacity building, and the provision of advanced technological tools to enhance operational efficiency. Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended UNODC for its sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and reaffirmed the Force’s determination to ensure a safer and more secure cyberspace for all Nigerians.
The commendation, observers said reflected the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies in tackling cybercrime and protecting the digital economy.
