By Efe Onodjae

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, has recorded two decisive security breakthroughs, the busting of a cyber-piracy ring targeting Nollywood films and the interception of a consignment containing 300 rounds of live ammunition alongside multiple contraband items.

Addressing journalists yesterday on behalf of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FCID Annex, AIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla, the Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, said the operations were part of intensified efforts to choke criminal networks exploiting digital platforms, ports, and logistics channels for illicit activities.

The FCID said its operatives dismantled a syndicate behind the illegal distribution of the movie “Owambe Thieves” on TikTok, following a petition filed by FilmOne Entertainment Limited. The suspect had uploaded edited scenes of the movie on TikTok on August 23, 2025, and demanded N1,000 from viewers seeking access to the full pirated copy.

Supported with screenshots, transaction records and copyright documents, detectives tracked and arrested the suspect, who confessed to obtaining the film from an illegal website before distributing it through TikTok, WhatsApp and Telegram. He also admitted to selling several Nollywood titles, including “Farmers Bride,” “Thinline” and “Alakada Bad and Bourjee,” to more than 50 individuals.

A forensic sweep of two recovered devices, an iPhone 15 Pro and an iPhone SE, uncovered digital traces of widespread copyright violation, including lists of buyers and copies of multiple pirated films.

Financial analysis further revealed that the suspect used his bank account to transact over N7.6 million between August 20 and October 29, 2025, consistent with proceeds from cyber-enabled piracy and fraud.

Also In a separate operation, the FCID intercepted a containerised consignment concealing 300 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and several prohibited goods. The interception followed credible intelligence received by the AIG.

The driver of the truck, Nelson Peretei, was arrested and the container was searched in the presence of the clearing agent and suspected receivers. Recovered items included two Toyota Sienna vans, a Nissan Frontier pickup, a SCION XA vehicle, 24 bags of foreign rice, seven bales of used clothing (Okirika), cartons of vegetable oil and assorted household items.

Five suspects were arrested after investigations linked the shipment to a US-based Nigerian woman, Mrs Maria Adeyemi, who allegedly failed to declare the ammunition and contraband in the bill of lading. Detectives also uncovered an attempt by a self-acclaimed retired US Marine, one Sunny Nwadiri, to discreetly claim ownership of the ammunition through an intermediary without providing verifiable identification.

Findings suggest deliberate concealment of the ammunition among legitimate goods to evade port surveillance systems.

The FCID says it is working with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Services (DSS) to trace the source and intended destination of the ammunition as well as possible links to wider criminal networks.

AIG Ochalla Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance for Criminal Networks

AIG Ochalla, through the PPRO, reiterated the FCID Annex’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s creative sector, combating cyber-fraud, dismantling arms-trafficking chains and intercepting contraband threatening national security.

She urged Nigerians to continue supplying credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring that the FCID will ensure all suspects face prosecution as provided by law.