The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have jointly issued a stern warning to Nigerian youths, urging them to shun internet fraud, drug abuse, and other criminal activities that are tarnishing the country’s global image and jeopardising opportunities for law-abiding citizens.
Speaking at a youth-focused event held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, decried the surge in cybercrime and its adverse implications on Nigeria’s economy, international reputation, and visa accessibility.
Olukoyede, who was represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, said that the rising trend of internet fraud — commonly known as “yahoo-yahoo” — has become a serious threat to national development and international relations.
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Cybercrime Fuelling Visa Restrictions for Nigerians – EFCC
According to a statement released by the EFCC, Olukoyede warned that the actions of internet fraudsters are directly contributing to tougher visa policies against Nigerians abroad, particularly by countries such as the United States.
He said, “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, the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.”
His remarks come in the wake of the United States’ recent visa policy revision in July, which cut the validity of some non-immigrant visas — including B1/B2 business and tourism visas, as well as F and J student and exchange visas — to just three months, allowing only single entry.
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‘Fraud is Not Success – It’s a Trap,’ EFCC Boss Warns
Olukoyede further cautioned young Nigerians against seeking shortcuts through fraud, emphasising that such paths ultimately lead to loss of freedom and future prospects. He urged the youth to instead channel their talents into productive sectors such as digital innovation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, 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,” he said.
He reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to ramping up public sensitisation, law enforcement, and collaboration with community stakeholders to curb cybercrime and financial offences across the country.
NDLEA, NSCDC Raise Additional Concerns
At the same event, which was organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also issued warnings on other threats affecting Nigerian youth.
Mathew Ewah, representing the NDLEA, described drug abuse as one of the gravest dangers facing the country’s younger generation. He called for increased vigilance and education to combat the menace of narcotics and substance misuse.
Officials of the NSCDC, meanwhile, cautioned against pipeline vandalism — a persistent challenge in the South-South region — linking it to environmental degradation and economic sabotage.
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EFCC’s Crackdown Intensifies
The EFCC has recently stepped up its clampdown on internet fraud nationwide. In August, operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected cybercriminals at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, after a surveillance operation. Items seized included luxury vehicles, mobile phones, and substances believed to be narcotics.
In a separate operation, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured convictions for 12 individuals — including two siblings — on charges related to advance fee fraud and possession of fraudulent documents. The convicts were sentenced by Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court.
