The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 12 suspects in Lagos State over alleged involvement in internet fraud activities, intensifying the agency's crackdown on cybercrime in Nigeria's commercial hub.
According to a statement from the EFCC's Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, the arrests were executed during a carefully planned sting operation on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, targeting the Ajegunle-Apapa axis of the metropolis.
The anti-graft agency revealed that the operation was prompted by credible intelligence reports indicating suspicious internet-related criminal activities in the area. The intelligence-led approach has become a cornerstone of the Commission's strategy in combating the rising wave of cybercrime across the country.
"The suspects are currently undergoing thorough profiling as part of our standard investigative procedures," the EFCC statement noted. The Commission further explained that formal charges would be filed against the suspects once investigations are concluded and all supporting evidence has been properly consolidated.
This latest operation reflects the EFCC's renewed commitment to tackling internet fraud, which has significantly damaged Nigeria's international reputation and affected legitimate business operations in recent years. The Commission has been ramping up efforts to identify and prosecute individuals involved in various forms of cybercrime, including romance scams, business email compromise, and identity theft.
The Ajegunle-Apapa area, known for its dense population and diverse economic activities, has increasingly become a focus for law enforcement agencies monitoring cybercrime activities in Lagos State.
Cybersecurity experts have praised the EFCC's proactive approach but emphasize the need for comprehensive digital literacy programs to prevent young Nigerians from being lured into internet fraud.
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