The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 78 suspected internet fraudsters in separate operations across Nasarawa, Abia, and Kano states, according to a statement released on Friday by the Commission's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.
In Toto, Nasarawa State, EFCC operatives apprehended 43 suspects on Friday following intelligence reports linking them to fraudulent internet activities. The operation led to the recovery of five motorcycles, 64 mobile phones, four laptop computers, and an iPad.
A day earlier, on Thursday, the anti-graft agency conducted raids in Ariam and Ubakala in Abia State, resulting in the arrest of 30 additional suspects. Items recovered during this operation included four cars, one iPad, three laptop computers, one sound system, 42 cell phones, and one external hard drive.
The Commission's Kano Zonal Directorate also contributed to the crackdown, arresting five suspected cyber criminals at Farm Centre, Kano, on Tuesday. According to Oyewale, these arrests were made during a sting operation based on actionable intelligence regarding their alleged involvement in internet fraud and related financial crimes. Mobile phones were seized from the suspects during the operation.
"All the suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations," Oyewale stated in the release.
The arrests come as part of the EFCC's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and internet fraud across Nigeria, activities that have damaged the country's international reputation and affected legitimate business operations.
The Commission has intensified its operations against internet fraudsters in recent months, with similar raids conducted in various states as authorities work to curb the rising tide of cyber-related offenses.
