The operation, code-named Operation Blackout, also led to the identification of $11 million in funds across multiple countries that could potentially be frozen, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Patel disclosed the development in a post on his official X account on Sunday, describing the operation as part of efforts to dismantle international fraud syndicates responsible for stealing billions of dollars from victims.
“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” Patel said.
“Our latest operation in Nigeria delivered: 9 ARRESTS. 53 electronic devices seized. $11 MILLION in potentially freezable funds identified across multiple countries.”
The FBI director accused the criminal networks of exploiting vulnerable individuals, stealing their life savings and operating across international borders under the assumption that they could evade law enforcement.
“These scam centres exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement. They’re wrong,” Patel stated.
He commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and international partners in London for their cooperation, crediting the collaboration with helping to advance the operation.
Patel also issued a warning to cybercriminals targeting Americans from outside the United States, declaring: “JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU.”
The arrests in Nigeria form part of a broader international enforcement effort that has recorded 28 arrests across Nigeria and Ghana. The operation has also resulted in the takedown of more than 3.7 million scam-linked accounts, pages and groups, while investigators identified more than 120 people allegedly subjected to human trafficking.
The wider crackdown, coordinated with the United States Department of Justice, highlights the cross-border nature of cybercrime and the growing cooperation among law enforcement agencies to investigate fraud networks operating across national jurisdictions.
The seizure of electronic devices is expected to support investigations into the alleged schemes, while the identification of potentially recoverable funds could help authorities pursue financial disruption measures against suspected criminal networks.
However, the FBI’s announcement did not provide the identities of the nine suspects arrested in Nigeria, the specific charges they may face or details of the individual cases under investigation.
The operation underscores the determination of US and international authorities to pursue cybercrime suspects beyond their national borders and disrupt networks accused of targeting victims through online fraud.
