The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has made startling revelations about the expanding criminal activities of Nigerian internet fraudsters commonly known as 'Yahoo boys'.
In a video interview released by the commission on Monday, Olukoyede disclosed that these cybercriminals have diversified into more violent crimes including banditry, kidnapping, and money laundering for politically exposed persons.
Beyond Internet Fraud: A National Security Threat
"Let me tell you the most dangerous aspects of it. It is not just about Yahoo-Yahoo. Nigerians should know this: these guys, some of them, are into banditry. We have proof and evidence," Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC chairman further explained that when these fraudsters fail to find scam victims quickly enough, they resort to kidnapping. "When they don't see people to scam on time, they go into kidnapping. Some of them launder money for politically exposed persons," he revealed.
Olukoyede emphasized that the commission's campaign against Yahoo-Yahoo will continue indefinitely as the problem has escalated into a nationwide crisis that brings international shame to Nigeria.
Recent Enforcement Actions
Referencing a recent operation that led to the arrest of over 120 young Nigerians, the EFCC chairman lamented the declining belief in honest work among youth. The commission appears determined to intensify its crackdown on these criminal networks that have expanded beyond cybercrime into more violent and destabilizing activities.
The revelations come amid growing concerns about Nigeria's international reputation regarding internet fraud and the increasing sophistication of criminal networks operating within the country.
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