The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arrested 18 suspected internet fraudsters in a coordinated, intelligence-led operation across parts of Akwa Ibom State.
The arrests were made on Thursday, July 31, 2025, during a sting operation that covered several locations, including Ikot Ekpene, Nelson Mandela Street, Ikot-Udoro, and Tippa Road.
According to a statement released by the EFCC, the suspects — all male and aged between 19 and 28 — were apprehended based on actionable intelligence indicating their alleged involvement in cyber-related crimes, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include three vehicles, 30 mobile phones, three laptop computers, and a wristwatch believed to have been acquired through fraudulent means.
The EFCC noted that the operation is part of its broader effort to clamp down on cybercrime in the South-South region, which has seen an uptick in cases involving digital fraud, identity theft, and other technology-enabled financial crimes.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of ongoing investigations,” the statement added, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who exploit digital platforms for illicit gain.
This latest crackdown aligns with the EFCC’s nationwide campaign against internet fraud, which continues to result in arrests, asset seizures, and court convictions, particularly among young adults lured into cybercrime by promises of quick wealth.
The EFCC also used the opportunity to reiterate its call for increased public awareness, vigilance, and community cooperation in the fight against financial crimes, particularly as the digital economy continues to expand across Nigeria.
