In a sweeping anti-cybercrime operation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 40 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud in Niger State.
Gists9ja reports that the arrests were made during coordinated raids across Bida and Minna local government areas by operatives from the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Commission.
The EFCC disclosed the development in an official statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation was the result of weeks of strategic surveillance, intelligence gathering, and undercover investigations aimed at curbing the rising wave of cybercrime in the region.
According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended based on credible intelligence linking them to various forms of internet fraud and financial crime. The Commission emphasized that the arrests form part of its ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in cyberspace.
During the raid, EFCC operatives recovered a wide array of items believed to be proceeds of crime or used in the commission of cyber-related offenses. These include:
- Three vehicles
- Eight power generators
- A Hisense air conditioner
- Two power stabilisers
- Ten motorcycles
- Eight laptops
- Four Bluetooth speakers
- Sixty Android smartphones
In a surprising twist, the Commission also recovered several fetish and ritualistic items suspected to be used for spiritual fortification. These included:
- Three calabashes adorned with feathers
- Locally made soap and sponge
- A bottle of alcoholic drink
- Twenty cowries
- A waist bead
- Four women’s underwear
While the EFCC did not disclose the identities of the suspects, it confirmed that they are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. The Commission assured the public that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The agency reiterated its commitment to ridding Nigeria of cybercrime and related offenses, calling on communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
