The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concerns that the growing menace of internet fraud is worsening the travel experiences of innocent Nigerians abroad.
The Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, said the trend was not only destroying the lives of those involved but also damaging Nigeria’s reputation globally, leading to tighter visa restrictions against genuine travellers.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, made the remarks at a youth engagement programme organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday.
His comments were contained in a statement issued by the commission.
“The EFCC boss highlighted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national growth and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.
“Beyond the economic damage, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.
Olukoyede urged young people, especially in the South-South, to channel their creativity into productive sectors such as agriculture, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creative industry.
He was quoted as saying, “Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today.”
He restated EFCC’s resolve to intensify sensitisation, strengthen enforcement, and work with communities to stem the spread of cybercrime.
Also at the event, officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) warned against drug abuse and pipeline vandalism, describing them as major threats to national security.
The EFCC has recently stepped up its operations nationwide. In August, its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, after surveillance. Items recovered included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
Similarly, its Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, for offences bordering on advance fee fraud and possession of fraudulent documents.
They were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court after pleading guilty.
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