Operatives from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Codenamed “Operation Eagle Sweep”, the raid followed credible intelligence about their alleged cybercrimes across Rivers State neighborhoods.
During the operation, officials seized luxury cars, smartphones, and laptops; they also confiscated international passports and bank cards from the suspects.
Moreover, they recovered smartwatches and important documents from the scene, further bolstering their case against the suspects.
These items contained crucial evidence of fraudulent activities, as confirmed by the EFCC in a public statement.
The agency pledged to prosecute all individuals once investigations conclude, reaffirming its crackdown on financial crimes nationwide. “We remain committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy from criminal elements,” the EFCC declared via social media.
Residents expressed mixed reactions; indeed, some applauded the arrests, while others questioned the suspects’ presumed guilt.
Consequently, the community remains divided over the situation.
A local trader remarked, “These operations must ensure fairness and avoid targeting innocent youths.”
Authorities clarified that the suspects allegedly posed as foreign investors and romance scammers to defraud victims globally. Investigators traced transactions to accounts linked to fake identities and shell companies.
Additionally, laptops contained fabricated invoices, forged contracts, and phishing tools used to infiltrate secure networks.
One device held data targeting elderly Europeans in pension scams, police sources revealed.
The EFCC urged citizens to report suspicious online behavior, emphasizing collaboration to curb internet fraud’s rising threat.
Recent reports indicate cybercrime costs Nigeria over $500 million annually, damaging its global reputation.
In response, advocacy groups called for youth skills programs to deter involvement in illegal ventures.
“Poverty fuels desperation, but crime isn’t the answer,” said a Rivers State community leader.
As investigations advance, the suspects remain in custody, awaiting formal charges and court proceedings. Legal experts stress the need for transparent trials to uphold justice and public trust.
This operation mirrors broader efforts across West Africa, where cybercrime syndicates exploit weak regulations and technological gaps.
Neighboring Ghana and Benin reported similar crackdowns this month.
Survivors of online fraud shared harrowing stories, urging stricter penalties for perpetrators.
“They ruined my life savings—I hope they face consequences,” said a retired teacher scammed in 2023.
Critics, however, argue that systemic corruption enables high-profile criminals to evade capture, unlike low-level offenders.
“Until big names are jailed, these arrests feel symbolic,” a journalist tweeted.
The EFCC’s Port Harcourt office vowed to expand operations, leveraging partnerships with Interpol and cybersecurity firms.
Training programs for officers on digital forensics will also intensify.
For now, the case highlights Nigeria’s precarious balance between law enforcement rigor and safeguarding civil liberties. Families of the detained await updates, hoping for clarity amid the unfolding legal process.