The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters during a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The operation, conducted at about 5 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, also led to the recovery of five exotic cars allegedly linked to the suspects.
In a statement, the commission said operatives of its Lagos Directorate 1 carried out the operation following surveillance and reconnaissance of the suspects’ activities.
The suspects were allegedly involved in defrauding unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers while impersonating other individuals.
The EFCC said preliminary investigations implicated 19 of the 21 suspects, while the remaining two had been released. It added that the indicted suspects would be arraigned in court.
The commission also disclosed that a young woman who allegedly attempted to alert the suspects to the operation through telephone calls was temporarily held, while her phone was confiscated until the operation ended. The device was subsequently returned to her.
Defending the operation, the EFCC maintained that it was professionally conducted and insisted that there was no harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest during the exercise.
The commission urged Nigerians to support its campaign against economic and financial crimes, calling on members of the public to condemn activities that undermine the country’s reputation.
It also expressed readiness to engage constructively with the public but warned against what it described as attempts by blackmailers and alarmists to undermine its mandate.
The commission did not disclose the identities of the suspects or the estimated value of the alleged proceeds of crime. The allegations against the suspects are subject to judicial determination.
