Soldiers from the 3 Battalion Nigerian Army Barracks in Effurun, Delta State, have arrested more than 100 youths suspected of engaging in internet fraud. The arrests took place after the military stormed a training facility, known as “Hustle Kingdom” (HK), where cybercriminals were allegedly being trained in online fraud schemes.
The operation occurred at Army Estate, a high-end residential area in Uvwie, Delta State, which is home to retired military officers and civilians. The estate became the focus of military action after intelligence reports revealed the existence of an internet fraud training school within its premises.
According to sources, the military had been gathering intelligence on the activities of the cybercrime network for several months before launching the raid. The operation took place early Saturday morning, resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals suspected of undergoing training at the HK school.
“The soldiers acted on intelligence reports,” a source close to the situation confirmed.
The raid not only led to the apprehension of the suspects, but also the arrest of the alleged owner of the cybercrime school and his accomplices.
After the raid, the suspects were taken into custody and transferred to the police at Ekpan in Uvwie for further investigation and prosecution. The military authorities conducted thorough profiling of the suspects before handing them over to the police.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests but noted that he could not provide specific details on how the suspects were apprehended.
He said, “Yes, we have received the suspects from the military, and investigations are ongoing.”
The raid and arrests have been hailed as a significant step in tackling the growing problem of cybercrime in the region.
Internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, has become a serious concern, with young people being lured into the illegal practice by promises of quick money.
Efforts by the military and police to crack down on these cybercrime syndicates are part of a broader initiative to reduce the number of fraudsters and restore trust in Nigeria’s digital space.