FBI Arrests Nine Suspects in Nigeria Cybercrime Crackdown, Seizes 53 Devices

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of nine suspects in Nigeria as part of an international operation targeting cybercrime networks accused of defrauding victims across borders.

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed the development on Sunday, revealing that the operation, code-named Operation Blackout, also led to the seizure of 53 electronic devices in Nigeria. He added that investigators identified approximately $11 million in funds that could potentially be frozen across multiple countries.

Patel said the operation was aimed at disrupting criminal networks operating online scam centres and targeting victims, particularly Americans, through fraudulent schemes. According to him, the groups exploit unsuspecting individuals, with some victims losing their life savings to online fraud.

The FBI director commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their international partners in London for their cooperation in the operation. He also warned that authorities would continue pursuing individuals involved in cybercrime, regardless of where they operate.

The arrests in Nigeria formed part of a wider international crackdown on scam networks operating across West Africa. According to the United States Department of Justice, the broader coordinated operation resulted in 28 arrests in Nigeria and Ghana, alongside the seizure of hundreds of electronic devices. Authorities and private-sector partners also removed more than 3.7 million fraudulent online accounts, pages and groups linked to scam activities.

The schemes targeted during the operation reportedly included cryptocurrency investment fraud, impersonation of law enforcement officials, online extortion and other forms of digital financial crime.

The operation highlights growing cooperation between Nigerian and international law enforcement agencies to dismantle cybercrime networks, disrupt their operations and protect victims from online fraud.