The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of nine people in Nigeria during an international operation targeting cybercriminal networks accused of defrauding Americans.

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed the arrests on Sunday, October 25, 2026, saying the operation, code-named Operation Blackout, also resulted in the seizure of 53 electronic devices.

Investigators also identified $11 million in funds potentially eligible for freezing across multiple countries, as authorities intensified efforts to dismantle online fraud networks operating across international borders.

Patel said the operation focused on criminal networks operating scam centres that allegedly deceived victims into transferring money, with some losing their life savings.

He described the initiative as part of a broader effort to disrupt international cybercrime operations targeting Americans and other victims through online platforms.

“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” Patel said.

He also thanked Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation during the operation.

The arrests in Nigeria formed part of a wider international enforcement effort targeting online scam networks operating in West Africa.

According to the US Department of Justice, the broader operation resulted in 28 arrests across Nigeria and Ghana, alongside the seizure of hundreds of electronic devices.

Authorities in Ghana arrested 19 people and seized 303 electronic devices in an operation in the Accra suburb of Sasaabi. Investigators also identified 117 suspected human-trafficking victims awaiting repatriation to Nigeria.

The wider effort involved US and UK law enforcement agencies, Nigerian authorities, Ghanaian security agencies and private-sector technology companies.

The US Department of Justice said participating technology companies removed more than 3.7 million fraudulent accounts, pages and groups allegedly linked to scam operations targeting people in the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries.

The disrupted schemes included impersonation of law enforcement officials, digital arrest extortion, cryptocurrency investment fraud and other online scams.

The department said the companies also shared information about more than 30 suspected scam centres with law enforcement agencies, helping investigators identify targets for further action.

Patel warned that geographical boundaries would not prevent authorities from pursuing individuals suspected of operating international fraud networks.

The operation highlights increasing cooperation between Nigerian, American and British authorities to investigate online financial crimes, seize evidence and disrupt the infrastructure used by suspected cybercriminals.

The FBI has not publicly identified the nine people arrested in Nigeria or disclosed the specific allegations against each suspect.

The arrests do not establish guilt, and any criminal charges would need to be determined through the appropriate legal process.