Nigerian authorities are investigating nearly 800 individuals apprehended during a large-scale raid targeting internet fraud in Lagos on December 10, 2024. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) described the operation as the largest in its history, following months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren revealed that 792 suspects, including 193 foreigners—primarily Chinese nationals—were arrested in a seven-story building described as a “hustle kingdom,” allegedly used to train individuals in cybercrimes such as romance and investment scams aimed at victims in North America and Europe.
Uwujaren emphasized the operation’s significance, highlighting the growing involvement of foreign nationals in cyber fraud within Nigeria. “This raid underscores our commitment to tackling financial crimes. It also challenges the perception that cyber fraud is predominantly a Nigerian issue, as we’re seeing foreigners coming here to perpetrate these crimes,” he said.
During the raid, authorities seized hundreds of electronic devices, including computers and phones, as well as vehicles. The EFCC is working with international partners to investigate possible links between the suspects and global cybercrime networks.
Cybercrime remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. A report earlier this year by researchers from Oxford and the University of New South Wales ranked Nigeria fifth globally for cybercrime activity, behind Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States.
Cybersecurity analyst Abayomi Adeyanju attributes the rise in cybercrime to limited economic opportunities, low cybersecurity awareness, and insufficient law enforcement. “Many skilled IT graduates are left without jobs and resort to crime to survive,” Adeyanju explained. He called for government action to address unemployment and create opportunities in the tech sector to reduce the appeal of cybercrime.
The EFCC has announced that the arrested suspects will face charges in court in the coming days.