The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday announced two major operational breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to combat cyber-enabled crime, piracy, arms smuggling and the trafficking of contraband goods into Nigeria.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on behalf of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FCID Annex, AIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, said the latest achievements reflect the department’s renewed commitment to protecting national security and Nigeria’s economic assets.
FCID Dismantles Cyber Piracy Syndicate Behind Unlawful Distribution of Nollywood Films
The FCID announced the arrest of a key suspect operating a sophisticated cyber-piracy ring responsible for illegally distributing Nollywood films online. The operation was launched following a petition filed by FilmOne Entertainment Limited over the unlawful upload of their movie Owambe Thieves on TikTok on 23 August 2025.
According to the petition, the suspect not only uploaded portions of the movie but demanded a ₦1,000 fee from viewers seeking access to the full pirated version. Evidence presented by the complainant included screenshots, transaction records, and proof of ownership.
Police investigations led to the arrest of the suspect, who confessed to obtaining the movie from an illegal website, editing scenes to drive engagement on TikTok, and distributing full copies via WhatsApp for a fee. He disclosed that he had sold pirated copies of the film to more than 50 people and admitted involvement in the piracy of other Nollywood titles such as Farmers Bride, Thinline, and Alakada Bad and Bourjee.
Two smartphones—a recently acquired iPhone 15 Pro and an iPhone SE—were recovered. Forensic analysis uncovered extensive evidence of movie-sharing activities across WhatsApp and Telegram groups.
Financial analysis of the suspect’s OPay account showed inflows totalling ₦7,616,403.80 and outflows of ₦7,612,270.99 between 20 August and 29 October 2025, indicating sustained revenue from cyber-piracy and related fraudulent activities.
The suspect has since been arraigned in court.
AIG Ochalla praised the operation as a significant victory for Nigeria’s creative sector, noting that piracy continues to rob the film industry of billions in revenue annually.
FCID Intercepts Shipment Containing 300 Rounds of Ammunition and Contraband; Five Arrested
In a separate operation, the FCID intercepted a container carrying 300 rounds of 9mm live ammunition concealed in a Nissan Frontier pickup truck, alongside a long list of undeclared contraband items.
The interception followed credible intelligence received by the AIG. The driver, identified as Nelson Peretei, was arrested and brought to the FCID Annex for questioning. A search conducted in the presence of the clearing agent and the alleged receivers led to the recovery of the following:
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300 rounds of 9mm live ammunition
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Two Toyota Sienna vans
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One Nissan Frontier pickup
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One SCION XA vehicle
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24 bags of foreign rice
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Seven bales of used clothing
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Cartons of vegetable oil
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Miscellaneous household items
Five suspects linked to the consignment were arrested.
Investigations traced the shipment to a woman identified as Mrs. Maria Adeyemi, based in the United States, who failed to declare the ammunition and contraband items in the bill of lading. The FCID disclosed that a self-proclaimed retired U.S. Marine Colonel, Sunny Nwadiri, later attempted to claim ownership of the ammunition through an intermediary but failed to provide verifiable personal details.
Preliminary findings indicate deliberate concealment of the ammunition and contraband among legitimate goods to evade scrutiny by port security systems. Security agencies are probing the intended destination of the ammunition and investigating potential links to arms trafficking networks.
The FCID is collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to pursue the case under the Firearms Act and other applicable laws.
FCID Reaffirms Commitment to National Security
ASP Mayegun Aminat said the latest breakthroughs underscore the dedication of the FCID Annex under AIG Ochalla’s leadership and align with the strategic directives of the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen law enforcement capabilities nationwide.
The FCID reiterated its resolve to:
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Disrupt cybercrime and piracy networks
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Safeguard Nigeria’s creative and economic sectors
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Fight arms trafficking and contraband smuggling
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Enhance public safety and national security
The police appealed to the public to provide credible and timely information to support ongoing investigations, promising that all offenders will be brought to justice.
The briefing concluded with a renewed assurance that the FCID Annex Alagbon will continue to pursue criminals, dismantle illicit networks, and uphold its mandate without compromise.
Signed:
ASP Mayegun Aminat, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: AIG, FCID Annex Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos
