The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that the surge in internet fraud cases is worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only ruin the lives of those directly involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s global image, resulting in stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.
Speaking in Port Harcourt at an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, emphasised that cybercrime and money laundering cost the country billions of naira annually.
“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,” he said in a statement released Tuesday.
“Beyond the economic damage, the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.”
Olukoyede urged Nigerian youths to redirect their energy toward productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry instead of engaging in “yahoo-yahoo.”
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go,” he said. “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 reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to intensifying public sensitisation, enforcement, and collaboration with communities to curb cybercrime and related offences.
At the event, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also warned that drug abuse remained one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South region.
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country in recent months. In August, operatives arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at a hotel in Ikorodu, Lagos, seizing vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics.
In Edo State, the commission secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, on fraud-related charges ranging from possession of fraudulent documents to retention of proceeds of crime.
The growing spotlight on cybercrime coincides with international consequences. In July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of certain non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) visas, to just three months and restricting them to single entry.
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery for news and analyses around the globe.
