The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 17 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud. The arrests were made during a series of coordinated sting operations conducted on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, across multiple locations in Kwara State.
The operation targeted areas in Ilorin, including Asa Dam, Al-Hikmah University axis, and Gaa-Odota, as well as Ganmo and Amoyo communities in the Ifelodun Local Government Area. The arrests were based on credible intelligence linking the suspects to a range of cybercrime activities, including romance scams, identity theft, and other forms of online fraud.
EFCC operatives seized several incriminating items during the operation, including three luxury vehicles, a number of sophisticated mobile devices, and several laptop computers believed to have been used to perpetrate the alleged crimes.
This latest crackdown follows a similar operation conducted just a week earlier, in which 47 suspects were apprehended in Ilorin and surrounding communities within the same local government area. That earlier raid was also intelligence-driven and formed part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of cybercriminal activity.
Speaking on the development, a spokesperson for the EFCC emphasized the agency’s commitment to tackling internet fraud, particularly among young people who are often lured into such illegal activities by the promise of quick wealth.
“The EFCC will continue to pursue and prosecute individuals involved in cybercrime, no matter where they are operating from. We are committed to protecting the digital space and ensuring that those who exploit it for criminal purposes are brought to justice,” the spokesperson said.
The Commission confirmed that all 17 suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC continues to urge members of the public to report suspicious activities and to remain vigilant, as the fight against cybercrime requires collective responsibility.
