FBI arrests nine suspects in Nigeria, seizes 53 devices over cybercrime

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of nine suspects in Nigeria and the seizure of 53 electronic devices during an international cybercrime crackdown.

According to the US Department of Justice, as reported by The Punch, the operation, codenamed Blackout, targeted criminal networks allegedly defrauding Americans through online scams.

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed the development Sunday in a statement posted on X.

“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” Patel wrote.

“Our latest operation in Nigeria delivered: nine arrests, 53 electronic devices seized, and $11 million in potentially freezable funds identified across multiple countries,” he added.

Patel commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and international partners in London for their cooperation.

He warned that cybercriminals operating outside American borders would face prosecution.

“To the criminals targeting Americans from overseas: JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU,” he added.

Authorities said investigations into the suspected international fraud networks remain ongoing.