Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the Uyo Zonal Command carried out early morning sting operations on Thursday, May 30, 2024, resulting in the arrest of 40 individuals suspected of internet fraud. The coordinated efforts took place at two separate locations within the state of Akwa Ibom.
In Eket, EFCC operatives apprehended 21 male suspects. Concurrently, in Ikot Ekpene, another 19 male suspects were arrested. The operations were meticulously planned and executed to maximize the effectiveness of the crackdown on cybercrime activities in these areas.
During the arrests, a variety of items were recovered from the suspects, which are believed to be connected to their alleged fraudulent activities. The confiscated items include:
- One Toyota SUV XLE
- Nine laptop computers
- Sixty-four smartphones
- One internet router
- One smartwatch
These items are currently being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The EFCC has stated that once the investigations are concluded, the suspects will be formally charged to court. The commission remains committed to its mandate of eradicating financial and economic crimes, and these arrests mark another significant step in their ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud in Nigeria.
