The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) for its critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture, according to its 2025 Annual Report on Cybercrime in Nigeria.
The report highlighted several landmark achievements by the Centre, including the recent arrest of 93 Chinese nationals and other Asian suspects involved in large-scale cyber-enabled criminal activities. UNODC noted that the operation significantly boosted the Centre’s operational profile and impact within the cyberspace.
According to the report, the NPF-NCCC recorded remarkable successes in financial restitution, particularly in 2024. The Centre recovered illicit proceeds amounting to ₦8,821,001,881.05, 115,237.91 USDT (cryptocurrency), and $84,000 USD, all of which were returned to victims. In addition, 685 devices linked to cybercrime operations were dismantled during the period.
Commenting on the achievements, UNODC stated that the Centre has demonstrated “exceptional capacity across multiple operational phases, especially in victim restitution and cybercrime disruption.”
UNODC Recognition Reinforces NPF-NCCC’s Global Standing
The commendation from UNODC follows another major international recognition, as the NPF-NCCC was recently named the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore, outperforming cybercrime units from 54 African countries.
The Centre was also praised for upgrading its public complaint mechanism to an e-reporting platform, a move UNODC said has “significantly improved public access and reporting of cyber-related crimes.”
While presenting copies of the report to the Director of the NPF-NCCC, UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force. The organisation pledged financial support, specialised training, and the provision of advanced technological tools to further enhance the Centre’s operational efficiency.
Reacting to the commendation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, expressed appreciation to UNODC for its sustained partnership, reiterating the Force’s resolve to “ensure a safer and more secure cyberspace for all Nigerians.”
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by CSP Benjami Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquaters, Abuja, January 31, 2026.
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