In one of the largest coordinated crackdowns on cybercrime in recent years, the Nigeria Police Force has joined forces with 15 other countries to arrest 651 suspects in a sweeping operation targeting online fraud and financial crimes valued at a staggering $45 million.

The operation, led by INTERPOL, brought together law enforcement agencies across Africa and beyond in a synchronized strike against cybercriminal networks involved in phishing, romance scams, business email compromise, and other sophisticated online schemes.

According to reports by Reuters, the coordinated raids uncovered massive digital fraud operations, freezing millions of dollars in illicit assets and dismantling criminal syndicates that have been exploiting victims across continents. BBC News also highlighted the increasing collaboration between African law enforcement agencies in combating transnational cybercrime.

Authorities revealed that thousands of devices—including laptops, mobile phones, and servers—were seized during the raids, further exposing the scale and organization of these cyber networks.

Cybercrime experts say the bust sends a strong message that the era of unchecked digital fraud in the region is facing serious resistance. Analysts quoted by Al Jazeera noted that such multinational operations reflect growing intelligence-sharing and technological advancement among participating countries.

For Nigeria, the arrests underscore renewed efforts to combat online fraud and repair the country’s global image, long challenged by the activities of cybercriminal syndicates.

As investigations continue, officials warn that more arrests may follow, signaling that the global fight against cybercrime is far from over.