The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Maiduguri Zonal Directorate, has arrested 42 suspected internet fraudsters in Gashua, Yobe State, in what it described as a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime in the region.
The suspects were picked up during a sting operation carried out on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at several locations across Gashua Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence that linked them to computer-related fraud.
During the operation, EFCC operatives recovered several items believed to be proceeds of crime. These include seven motorcycles, one Mercedes Benz car, 55 mobile phones and laptops, as well as gaming consoles comprising a PlayStation 5 and a PlayStation 4.
According to the Commission, preliminary findings revealed that the suspects were engaged in various forms of internet-related offences ranging from identity theft and phishing to impersonation and fraudulent online schemes targeting unsuspecting victims within and outside Nigeria.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to intensifying the crackdown on cybercrime in the North-East and across the country, stressing that internet fraud not only tarnishes Nigeria’s image internationally but also undermines economic development.
“All the arrested suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the Commission assured in a statement.
The development comes amid a series of coordinated anti-corruption and cybercrime operations by the EFCC across the country, as the agency continues its push to dismantle criminal networks operating online.
