Mathew Amaechi
In a significant crackdown against cybercrime, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 35 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud in Auchi, one of Edo State’s bustling towns known as a hub for such illicit activities.
The multi-location operation unfolded on Tuesday across several key points in Auchi—notably along Vigilante Street, off Sabo Ibenafo Road, and in the Back of Yak areas. According to an official statement on the EFCC’s verified Twitter handle, the arrests were executed following “credible intelligence that linked to fraudulent internet activities,” a testament to the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating cybercrime in Nigeria.
During the sweep, EFCC officers recovered a substantial cache of items believed to have been used in perpetrating the fraudulent schemes. The haul included nine cars, eleven laptop computers, 46 mobile phones, and two smartwatches. These assets, officials contend, are integral components of a well-organized network, which authorities allege was involved in what is locally known as “Yahoo Yahoo”—a widely recognized form of internet fraud.The detained suspects are currently in custody, with investigations underway. The EFCC has confirmed that charges will be formally brought against them in court once the probe reaches its conclusion.
Officials emphasized that this operation marks a pivotal milestone in the ongoing battle against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria. “We remain resolute in our mandate to rid Nigeria of economic and financial crimes,” an EFCC spokesperson reiterated, underlining the broader commitment to targeting not only traditional forms of fraud but also the sophisticated digital scams that continue to emerge.Auchi has increasingly come under the spotlight as a hotspot for internet fraud, prompting enhanced surveillance and targeted enforcement operations by law enforcement agencies. The EFCC has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as community cooperation plays a crucial role in dismantling fraudulent networks.
As cybercriminals adapt and evolve their methods, the recent arrests underscore Nigeria’s determined stance against economic crimes in the digital age. The EFCC’s latest actions serve both as a warning to potential offenders and as a signal of improved law enforcement mechanisms working tirelessly to protect the nation’s financial integrity and the trust of its citizens.
