The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) has hailed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its sweeping operation that dismantled a major foreign-led cybercrime network in Lagos, describing the move as a “historic breakthrough” in Nigeria’s fight against digital fraud.
On December 10, 2024, EFCC operatives stormed a seven-story building in Victoria Island, arresting 792 suspects linked to a sophisticated cryptocurrency investment and romance scam. In what the agency called its biggest anti-cybercrime operation yet, the majority of those apprehended were foreign nationals.
According to EFCC figures, the suspects include 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two citizens of Kharzartan, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian. The syndicate allegedly recruited and trained young Nigerians as local operatives, exploiting their identities to conceal the foreign masterminds orchestrating the scam.
“Foreign Masterminds, Nigerian Fronts”
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, praised the EFCC’s professionalism, stressing that the arrests debunk a damaging stereotype.
“This operation underscores the Commission’s dedication to tackling cybercrime at the highest level and proves that many of these crimes are orchestrated by international actors who exploit vulnerable Nigerians,” Rafsanjani said.
He warned that global narratives unfairly linking Nigerians to internet fraud have long tarnished the nation’s image while ignoring the role of foreign actors.
“What we are seeing is a transnational criminal hierarchy where foreign masterminds manipulate and discard Nigerian youth after using them to front illegal operations,” he added.
Call for Stronger Safeguards
CISLAC urged the EFCC to pursue a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure all suspects, regardless of nationality, are held accountable. The group also called on the government to:
- Invest in youth-focused initiatives to reduce unemployment-driven vulnerability.
- Expand cyber-literacy programs to curb recruitment into online fraud.
- Strengthen digital safeguards to detect and disrupt cybercriminal networks early.
The organization stressed that the fight against cybercrime requires joint institutional collaboration among the EFCC, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Customs Service.
“Enhanced immigration screening and proactive enforcement would prevent many of these foreign actors from embedding themselves within local communities,” CISLAC noted.
It further highlighted Customs’ role in intercepting illegal arms and contraband used to fuel organized crime, stressing that border security and inter-agency intelligence sharing remain vital.
Beyond Law Enforcement
Beyond arrests, CISLAC emphasized the social dimensions of cybercrime, pointing to a troubling trend of Nigerian students abandoning their education in pursuit of “quick money” from scams.
The group urged the media to play a central role in reshaping perceptions and sensitizing the public:“The media must be proactive in educating young Nigerians on the long-term dangers of cybercrime,” the statement read.
It recommended nationwide awareness campaigns and youth empowerment programs as preventive tools against fraudulent recruitment.
Restoring Nigeria’s Image
CISLAC reaffirmed its support for the EFCC and other institutions working to safeguard Nigeria’s reputation globally. It called for a unified national strategy that:
- Addresses the root causes of cybercrime.
- Promotes lawful opportunities for young people.
- Ensures accountability across all levels of criminal activity.
“This landmark operation not only challenges stereotypes but also restores confidence that Nigeria is serious about dismantling both foreign-led and local cybercrime syndicates,” CISLAC concluded.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
