EFCC arrests 31 for alleged internet fraud in Nasarawa raid

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 31 individuals suspected of involvement in various cybercrimes during a coordinated raid in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

In an official statement released via its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, the Commission disclosed that the arrests were based on credible intelligence linking the suspects to a range of online criminal activities, including romance scams, phishing schemes, identity theft, and fraudulent online investment operations.

According to the EFCC, operatives from its Abuja Zonal Command carried out the operation after several weeks of surveillance and intelligence-gathering. During the raid, several items believed to be instruments of cybercrime were recovered, including high-end smartphones, laptops, and internet-enabled gadgets.

“The suspects were apprehended at multiple locations across Toto following in-depth investigations. They are currently undergoing profiling and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the inquiry,” the statement read.

The operation is part of a broader effort by the EFCC to dismantle cybercrime networks in Nigeria’s North Central zone, where increased internet connectivity has coincided with a rise in digital fraud.

The Commission reaffirmed its determination to combat internet-related financial crimes, encouraging young Nigerians to apply their digital skills to legitimate and constructive pursuits.

In a call for collective responsibility, the EFCC urged parents, local leaders, and community stakeholders to raise awareness among youths about the risks and legal repercussions of cybercrime.

At the time of filing this report, the names of the suspects had not been made public. However, the EFCC assured that the legal process would be followed thoroughly and that the prosecution of those found culpable would be pursued diligently.

The arrests come just days after a similar operation in Abuja, where 74 suspects were taken into custody for comparable offences.