Odita Sunday 
Police Busts Logistics Fraud Network, Recovers Stolen iPhones Worth Over $100,000
By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has dismantled a suspected logistics fraud network following the arrest of five suspects over the alleged diversion of mobile devices worth more than $100,000 shipped from Dubai to Nigeria.
The Police Public Relations Liaison Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, disclosed this in a statement issued on October 3, 2026, explaining that the investigation followed a petition alleging criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, stealing and fraudulent conversion involving consignments entrusted to a logistics company for delivery to Nigeria.
Imah said the petition, dated June 19, 2026, stated that the consignment comprised 222 iPhones and 15 smartwatches purchased from suppliers in Dubai.
According to him, the complainant, upon receiving the shipment in Nigeria on June 11, discovered that the mobile devices had allegedly been removed and replaced with newspapers and phone chargers.
He said preliminary investigation further revealed that a foreign national associated with the logistics company allegedly absconded with the devices after the consignment arrived in Nigeria.
Imah explained that operatives of the NPF-NCCC subsequently deployed intelligence-led investigation and forensic analysis to trace the stolen devices, leading to the arrest of five suspects in Ibadan, Lagos and Kano States.
He added that some of the stolen devices were also recovered during the operation.
The police spokesman said preliminary findings indicated that some of the suspects allegedly obtained the devices through a dealer in Dubai, adding that investigators were working to establish the full chain of the alleged fraudulent transaction.
Imah said the ongoing investigation was also focused on recovering the remaining devices, determining the roles played by all persons connected with the transaction and apprehending other suspects who may have participated in the alleged crime.
He said the development underscored the importance of intelligence-led policing and digital forensic capabilities in tackling increasingly sophisticated forms of technology-enabled crime.
Imah said the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remained committed to deploying technology, intelligence and digital forensic tools to combat cybercrime and other technology-enabled criminal activities.
He added that the Force would continue to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting individuals and businesses operating within Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
According to him, the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
About the Author
