The Sokoto Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 13 suspected internet fraudsters in a coordinated operation targeting cybercrime activities in the state. The arrests took place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in the Gidan Yaro and Dandima areas of Sokoto following credible intelligence reports on their involvement in internet-related offences.
The EFCC operatives, acting on actionable intelligence, swooped in on the suspects who are alleged to be part of a larger network engaging in cyber fraud, commonly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale confirmed in a statement made available to ASHENEWS that all the individuals arrested are students of Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS), and were apprehended with various incriminating gadgets believed to have been used in their illegal activities.
Items recovered from the suspects during the raid include several laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices commonly used for online fraud schemes. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were involved in different forms of online scams, targeting individuals both locally and internationally.
The anti-graft agency emphasized that the commission remains committed to clamping down on cybercriminals across Nigeria, with a particular focus on protecting the country’s image and ensuring that those involved in illegal internet activities are brought to justice.
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“This operation is part of our broader efforts to curb the menace of cybercrime in the country. These individuals, who are mostly young students, have chosen to misuse their knowledge of technology to defraud unsuspecting victims,” the EFCC statement read.
The anti-graft agency noted that the suspects are currently being interrogated and will remain in custody pending the conclusion of the investigation. Once investigations are finalized, they will be charged to court to face justice for their alleged crimes.
The EFCC also used the opportunity to urge Nigerian youths to shun cybercrime and make productive use of their skills for legitimate purposes, reiterating that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those involved in fraudulent activities.
This latest arrest underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime in Nigeria, as it continues to intensify operations aimed at flushing out internet fraudsters, especially in higher institutions of learning where the trend appears to be growing.
Authorities have also warned that the EFCC will continue to monitor and prosecute cybercriminals across Nigeria’s educational institutions, as the government remains resolute in its fight against cybercrime and financial fraud.
Background on Internet Fraud in Nigeria
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in internet fraud cases, with many young people, often students, engaging in online scams that target individuals and organizations globally. The EFCC has been at the forefront of efforts to tackle this growing problem, regularly conducting raids and arrests to deter would-be fraudsters.
The commission has been particularly focused on youths in higher institutions, many of whom have been caught engaging in sophisticated online fraud schemes. Through heightened surveillance and intelligence-sharing efforts, the EFCC continues to identify and dismantle cybercrime networks operating within Nigeria.
