The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters in Ilorin, Kwara State, within a week, as part of its intensified efforts to combat cybercrime in Nigeria.
According to an official statement from the EFCC, the latest operation took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, when 15 suspects were apprehended in the Tanke Oke-Odo area of Ilorin. The arrests followed an earlier successful operation on Friday, March 22, 2025, during which 22 suspects were arrested in coordinated raids across Tanke, Alao Farm Estate, Yidi Road, and Irewolede areas of the city.
The EFCC disclosed that the arrests were based on credible intelligence linking the suspects to various internet-related fraudulent activities, including identity theft, phishing, online scams, and money laundering. Operatives recovered a range of luxury items during the raids, including eight high-end cars, sophisticated smartphones, and premium laptop computers believed to have been used in perpetrating the alleged crimes.
An EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the arrests reflect the commission’s commitment to rooting out cybercrime and holding offenders accountable. “We have been tracking these individuals for some time following credible tips from both local and international sources. Their activities have been undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and causing significant financial loss to unsuspecting victims globally,” the official said.
The EFCC also noted that forensic analysis of the recovered devices is underway to extract evidence that could further expose the suspects’ network and operations. The commission emphasized that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on internet fraud, often referred to as “Yahoo-Yahoo” in local parlance, across major cities in Nigeria. The agency has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities.
“The fight against cybercrime remains a top priority for the EFCC. We are working closely with domestic and international partners to ensure that internet fraudsters are brought to justice and that the public is protected from financial exploitation,” the statement added.
This latest development underscores the EFCC’s broader strategy to dismantle organized cybercrime networks and restore confidence in Nigeria’s financial and digital sectors.
