Reported by: Ijeoma G. | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has carried out one of its biggest anti-cybercrime operations in recent months with the arrest of 92 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo State. The sting operation, which was coordinated by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission, took place on Monday, September 29, 2025, at different locations across Benin-City following credible intelligence reports about the activities of the suspects.
According to officials of the EFCC, the arrests were conducted in strict compliance with the law. The operation, which began in the early hours of the morning, targeted several hideouts notorious for harbouring young men engaged in online fraud. At the end of the raid, operatives recovered 11 vehicles, mobile devices, and other materials believed to have been used in perpetrating fraudulent activities. Initial findings suggest that the suspects were involved in romance scams, identity theft, phishing schemes, and other forms of computer-related fraud. They are expected to face charges in court once investigations are concluded.
Benin-City, long regarded as one of the epicentres of internet-related crime in Nigeria, has remained a major focus of EFCC operations. The city’s notoriety for producing cybercrime syndicates has led to repeated crackdowns, yet the menace continues to resurface in new forms. Monday’s arrests are part of a broader effort by the EFCC to disrupt these networks and send a clear message that perpetrators will not go unpunished.
The Commission stressed that the operation was not an isolated action but one element of a nationwide campaign to combat internet fraud. In recent years, the EFCC has conducted similar raids in Lagos, Delta, and Abuja, arresting dozens of suspects and recovering luxury cars, laptops, and cash believed to be proceeds of crime. This sustained pressure, officials argue, is necessary to curtail a criminal enterprise that not only drains victims financially but also damages Nigeria’s image abroad.
Cybercrime has grown to become one of Nigeria’s most pressing law enforcement challenges. The country has often found itself in the global spotlight for the activities of “Yahoo boys,” whose fraudulent schemes target individuals and businesses across continents. From romance scams that exploit vulnerable victims to elaborate email compromise schemes that cost companies millions of dollars, the impact of these crimes is severe. The EFCC insists that such acts undermine both the nation’s economy and its moral fabric, as many young people are drawn into the lure of fast wealth.
Beyond the arrests, the Commission maintains that its work includes prevention through sensitisation and education. Officials highlight the need to engage with young Nigerians, many of whom, driven by unemployment and economic hardship, are tempted into fraudulent ventures. Campaigns in schools, universities, and communities have been rolled out in the past to warn against the dangers of cybercrime, but the challenge persists, revealing the depth of the social and economic pressures fuelling the trend.
The international community has also taken notice of Nigeria’s struggle with cybercrime. Partnerships between the EFCC and global law enforcement bodies have been strengthened, leading to joint operations that dismantle cross-border fraud rings. Yet, despite these collaborations, the perception problem remains, with Nigerian businesses often facing undue suspicion abroad due to the actions of a criminal minority.
An EFCC official in Benin described the latest operation as a clear demonstration of the Commission’s resolve. According to him, “Internet fraud is not a harmless crime. It leaves behind victims whose lives are shattered, businesses that lose millions, and a country that suffers reputational damage. We want Nigerians and the world to know that we are committed to fighting this menace head-on.”
For Edo State residents, the arrests brought a mix of relief and concern. While many welcomed the action as a necessary step to restore order, others argued that deeper social and economic reforms are required to address the root causes of the problem. Analysts say unemployment, lack of economic opportunities, and poor access to education continue to drive young people into fraudulent activities. Without addressing these underlying issues, they caution, enforcement alone may not be enough to solve the problem.
Still, the EFCC remains resolute. The Commission has pledged to sustain the momentum of its current operations, ensuring that suspects are not only arrested but prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. In its statement, it reiterated that the fight against internet fraud is ongoing and that those who continue to exploit digital platforms for criminal gain will face justice.
As the suspects await prosecution, the operation in Benin-City stands as another stark reminder of the scale of Nigeria’s cybercrime problem. It also underscores the determination of the EFCC to dismantle the networks behind it, no matter how widespread or entrenched they may seem. For the Commission, the fight is far from over, but Monday’s arrests signal that the war on internet fraud is being pursued with renewed vigour.
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