The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that internet fraud is making life harder for innocent Nigerians by worsening visa restrictions abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said online fraud not only ruins the lives of those involved but also damages Nigeria’s image in the international community. This, he explained, has led to stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, spoke on Monday in Port Harcourt at an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. The EFCC released his statement on Tuesday.
“Internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira every year. These crimes weaken national growth and deny citizens infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities. Beyond the economic damage, they erode Nigeria’s image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the EFCC said.
Related Stories:
- Army Arrests Notorious IPOB Commander in Imo
- Trump Sues New York Times for $15 Billion, Accuses Paper of Defamation
Olukoyede advised young Nigerians, especially in the South-South, to put their energy into positive ventures.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today,” he said.
He also pledged that the EFCC would increase awareness campaigns, strengthen enforcement, and work with communities to fight cybercrime.
Other security agencies at the event raised similar warnings. A representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mathew Ewah, said drug abuse remains a major threat to Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.
The EFCC has recently stepped up its fight against internet crime. In August, its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, after days of surveillance. Recovered items included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances believed to be narcotics.
Also, the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 people, including two brothers, for fraud-related offences.