The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has taken into custody 120 individuals in Lagos for alleged involvement in internet fraud. The large-scale operation, which took place on Monday, was described by the agency as a targeted effort against cybercrime networks operating across the state.
According to a statement released by the EFCC, the operation was executed by personnel from its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1. The arrests followed days of surveillance and were based on what the agency described as “credible intelligence.” The suspects include 95 men and 25 women, all apprehended at various locations across Lagos believed to be hubs for cyber-related activities.
“Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 120 suspected internet fraudsters, comprising 95 male and 25 female, at various locations in Lagos,” the agency’s statement read.
During the raid, officials seized a range of valuable items believed to be proceeds of crime. These included 26 luxury cars, costly jewelry, a number of smartphones and laptops, as well as several documents that reportedly link the individuals to fraudulent schemes.
The EFCC noted that this operation is part of a broader initiative to tackle the growing threat of online fraud in Nigeria. Cybercrime has become a major concern in many urban areas, and authorities have been intensifying their efforts to shut down such networks.
“The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence and thorough surveillance regarding their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud,” the EFCC added.
All arrested persons are currently undergoing interrogation and further screening. The commission stated that after the investigations are complete, the suspects will be charged in court.
