The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the arrest of 11 individuals suspected of engaging in internet-related fraud in Kaduna State. The operation was carried out by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Commission.
According to an official statement, the suspects were apprehended in coordinated raids conducted in the Mahuta and Barnawa areas of Kaduna metropolis. The arrests followed actionable intelligence that linked the individuals to a range of fraudulent online activities, including phishing, identity theft, romance scams, and other cyber-enabled financial crimes.
During the operation, EFCC operatives recovered several items believed to be proceeds or tools of the illicit activities. These include a black Mercedes-Benz C300, 14 mobile phones, two laptop computers, one iPad, two MiFi devices, a JBL Bluetooth speaker, and a Zealot speaker.
The EFCC stated that the suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with further investigations. Preliminary findings suggest that the group may be part of a broader network involved in internet fraud operations targeting both local and international victims.
“The Commission remains committed to its mandate of combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria,” the statement read. “We urge members of the public to continue providing useful information that can help us identify and apprehend fraudsters who exploit digital platforms to defraud innocent citizens.”
The anti-graft agency confirmed that the suspects will be formally charged in court once investigations are concluded and sufficient evidence is compiled.
The arrests are part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to crack down on cybercrime, especially among young individuals who are increasingly being lured into online fraud schemes. The Commission continues to advocate for digital literacy, ethical conduct, and public vigilance as key strategies in the fight against internet fraud.
