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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 28 individuals in Kwara State over alleged involvement in internet-related crimes.
The suspects were arrested in different parts of Ilorin during coordinated raids carried out by operatives of the commission’s Ilorin Zonal Command.
Areas covered in the sting operation include Tanke, University Road, Oshin, and Agbabiaka.
According to EFCC officials, the operation was prompted by actionable intelligence linking the suspects to various forms of cybercrime.
“We acted on credible reports that these individuals were deeply involved in online scams targeting both local and foreign victims,” an EFCC source disclosed.
Items seized during the raids included seven luxury cars, among them a Lexus SUV and a recently released Toyota Corolla, as well as two motorcycles, high-end mobile devices, and laptops allegedly used to carry out fraudulent activities.
The commission confirmed that the suspects are currently being profiled and will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
Speaking on the development, a senior EFCC officer in Ilorin explained that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, which has become a major concern nationwide.
“Internet fraud is not just about duping individuals; it destroys trust in Nigeria’s image abroad and contributes to rising visa restrictions on innocent citizens,” he said.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede had earlier warned about the dangers of cybercrime, stressing that the menace continues to cost Nigeria billions of naira annually.
Represented at a youth security forum in Port Harcourt by Chief Superintendent CSE Coker Oyegunle, Olukoyede described internet fraud and related crimes as a form of economic sabotage.
He emphasised that such activities rob the nation of investments, jobs, and critical infrastructure.
“Every naira lost to fraud is a road not built, a hospital not equipped, and an opportunity denied to the people,” the EFCC chairman noted.
The commission reiterated its resolve to intensify crackdowns on perpetrators of financial crimes while urging Nigerian youths to channel their digital skills into legitimate ventures.