The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said the rise in internet fraud is one of the reasons Nigerians now face tougher visa restrictions abroad.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent CSE Coker Oyegunle, spoke on Monday in Port Harcourt at an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
In a statement released by the commission on Tuesday, Olukoyede warned that the actions of internet fraudsters are damaging Nigeria’s global image and punishing innocent citizens.
“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.
He urged young people across the country to invest their energy in meaningful ventures such as technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.
“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,” Olukoyede said.
He also reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to more awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement, and closer work with communities to curb internet fraud.
Other agencies also spoke at the event. A representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mathew Ewah, said drug abuse remains one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also warned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.
The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on cybercrime. In August, its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, after days of surveillance. Items recovered included vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
In a separate case, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, on charges of fraud, possession of fake documents, and retention of proceeds of crime. They were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of Edo State High Court after pleading guilty.
The international impact of such crimes has already been felt. In July, the United States reduced the validity of some Nigerian non-immigrant visas to three months and limited them to single entry. The categories affected include B1/B2 visas for business and tourism, as well as F and J visas for students and exchange visitors.
