By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five suspects over the alleged diversion of 222 iPhones and 15 smartwatches worth more than $100,000.
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The investigation followed a petition alleging criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, stealing and fraudulent conversion involving a logistics company.
According to the NPF-NCCC, the devices were purchased from suppliers in Dubai and shipped to Nigeria for delivery.
The consignment was received on June 11, but the complainant allegedly discovered that the mobile devices had been removed.
The police said the iPhones and smartwatches had been replaced with newspapers and phone chargers.
The petition, dated June 19, also alleged that a foreign national associated with the logistics company had absconded with the devices.
The NPF-NCCC said intelligence-led investigation and forensic analysis helped operatives trace some of the stolen devices to Nigeria.
Five suspects were subsequently arrested in Ibadan, Lagos and Kano, while some of the stolen devices were recovered.
Preliminary findings also indicated that some of the suspects allegedly obtained the devices through a dealer in Dubai, the police said.
The police said investigations are continuing to recover the remaining devices and establish the roles of others connected to the transaction.
Operatives are also working to identify and arrest other suspects who may have been involved, according to the statement.
The police said the operation reflects the Force’s use of intelligence, technology and digital forensics to tackle cybercrime and other technology-enabled offences.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to protecting individuals and businesses operating within Nigeria’s digital economy.
The suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation, the police said.
