EFCC Arrests 92 Suspected Yahoo Boys in Benin City Amid Renewed Crackdown

EFCC Arrests 92 Suspected Yahoo Boys in Benin City Amid Renewed Crackdown

Benin City, Nigeria – In a major anti-cybercrime operation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 92 suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo Boys, in Benin City, Edo State. The coordinated raid, carried out by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command, underscores the commission’s renewed commitment to combating financial crimes and restoring sanity in Nigeria’s digital space.

According to EFCC officials, the suspects were apprehended at various hideouts across Benin following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. Items recovered during the raid include luxury cars, laptops, mobile phones, and other digital devices believed to have been used in perpetrating fraudulent activities.

The EFCC disclosed that the arrested individuals are currently undergoing profiling and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The commission also reiterated its determination to pursue cybercrime cases to a logical conclusion, stressing that the menace of internet fraud not only tarnishes Nigeria’s global reputation but also endangers genuine online businesses and investments.

Public reaction in Benin City has been mixed. While some residents applauded the EFCC for tackling the rising wave of cybercrime, others expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young people in fraudulent ventures. Social commentators have urged government agencies, parents, and community leaders to intensify efforts in providing mentorship, employment opportunities, and digital literacy programs to discourage youths from engaging in Yahoo Yahoo activities.

In recent months, the EFCC has intensified raids across major Nigerian cities, arresting hundreds of suspects and securing multiple convictions in cybercrime cases. Analysts say the Benin City operation is among the largest single swoops by the agency this year, reflecting a stronger resolve to clamp down on internet fraud syndicates.

As investigations continue, the EFCC has advised young Nigerians to channel their talents into legitimate tech and digital innovations, reminding the public that internet fraud remains a criminal offense with severe penalties under Nigerian law.