In a sweeping crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters in Benin City, Edo State, seizing exotic cars, laptops, and smartphones in the process.
The operation, carried out by the Benin Zonal Directorate on Tuesday, was the culmination of weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering.
The suspects, allegedly involved in a range of fraudulent online activities, were arrested from various locations across the city.
The items recovered from the suspects include five luxury cars—indicating the lavish lifestyles funded by their illicit activities—along with numerous smartphones and laptops, which are believed to have been used for their cyber fraud operations.
According to the EFCC, the arrest follows credible intelligence linking the individuals to a network of online criminals engaged in defrauding unsuspecting victims.
“We remain committed to dismantling the networks behind these illegal activities,” said a statement from the EFCC.
“These arrests serve as a stark reminder that cybercrime will not be tolerated, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to tackle it head-on.”
The suspects are currently undergoing investigation and are expected to face charges in court as soon as the necessary procedures are completed.
This latest operation marks another significant victory in the EFCC’s ongoing fight against internet fraud, which has become a major concern in Nigeria, particularly among young people.
