The Sokoto Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 13 individuals suspected of being involved in internet fraud in Sokoto State. The suspects, all of whom claim to be students of Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, were apprehended on Saturday in a coordinated operation in the Gidan Yaro and Dandima areas of the state.
According to the EFCC, the arrests were made based on actionable intelligence that linked the individuals to various internet-related offenses. These alleged offenses are part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime activities in the region. The EFCC noted that the operation was executed without incident, with all 13 suspects taken into custody for questioning.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects may have been involved in a variety of fraudulent schemes, including phishing, identity theft, and other forms of cyber fraud targeting victims both locally and internationally. Devices suspected to have been used in the illicit activities were recovered during the raid, including laptops, mobile phones, and other digital tools.
In a statement, the EFCC emphasized its commitment to combating the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly among young people. “We are intensifying efforts to address the rising cases of internet fraud across the country, particularly in educational institutions where some students engage in these illegal activities,” said a spokesperson for the agency.
The suspects are currently being held in EFCC custody, and further investigations are underway to uncover more details about their operations. The commission has assured the public that they will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, where they will face prosecution under the relevant laws.
This latest operation in Sokoto is part of a nationwide effort by the EFCC to tackle the rising menace of cybercrime, which has become a significant concern for law enforcement agencies across Nigeria. The agency has continued to engage in public sensitization and enforcement activities aimed at curbing the scourge, particularly among young people, who are often lured into cybercrime with promises of easy money.
The EFCC urges students and other youths to refrain from participating in illegal online activities and to channel their skills into productive ventures that can contribute positively to society. The commission also called on parents, guardians, and educational institutions to play an active role in guiding the youth towards lawful and constructive use of technology.
