FCID Records Significant Success in Dismantling Digital Piracy Network and Seizing Concealed Ammunition

By Fidelia Alaka 

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, has successfully dismantled a sophisticated online piracy syndicate and intercepted concealed ammunition in separate, intelligence-led operations, marking significant victories for Nigeria’s security and creative sectors.

FCID investigators uncovered a network that illegally reproduced and distributed Nigerian films, including the widely circulated Owanbe Thieves, through encrypted social media channels, unlicensed streaming platforms, and offshore servers. 

The syndicate operated with advanced tools to bypass copyright protections, enabling the rapid upload and circulation of newly released movies. 

During the operation, officers seized high-capacity servers, laptops, mobile devices, specialized software, and databases containing unlawfully obtained creative content, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the operation.

In a separate but concurrent investigation, FCID detected ammunition concealed within legitimate cargo in shipping documents. A man claiming to be a retired U.S. Marine Colonel, Sunny Nwadiri, attempted to assert ownership through an intermediary, but could not provide verifiable identification. 

Preliminary findings suggest that the contraband was deliberately hidden to evade port and customs inspections. FCID is now collaborating closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Services (DSS) to trace the supply chain, potential trafficking networks, and the intended destination of the seized ammunition.

AIG Margaret A. Ochalla commended the officers for their diligence and reaffirmed the FCID Annex’s commitment to disrupting cybercrime networks, protecting Nigeria’s creative industry, and preventing the smuggling of illegal arms. 

She urged the public to continue providing credible intelligence, pledging that all offenders will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.

The statement was released by ASP Mayegun Aminat (anipr), Police Public Relations Officer of the FCID Annex, on behalf of the AIG.