The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concerns that the rising wave of internet fraud is contributing to harsher visa restrictions against law-abiding Nigerians abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those directly involved but also damage Nigeria’s international reputation, leading to stricter travel conditions for innocent citizens.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, gave the warning on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by the commission on Tuesday.
“The EFCC boss highlighted that 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, he pointed out that the crimes erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.
He urged youths in the South-South and across the country to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.
Quoting Olukoyede, the EFCC said: “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.”
The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying sensitisation, enforcement, and community collaboration to tackle internet fraud and related crimes.
Also speaking at the event, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mathew Ewah, cautioned against drug abuse, describing it as one of the gravest threats facing Nigerian youths. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) equally warned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.
The EFCC has recently intensified its clampdown on cybercrime nationwide. In August, operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters in Ikorodu, Lagos, recovering vehicles, mobile phones, and substances suspected to be narcotics. Similarly, its Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 persons, including two brothers, for advance fee fraud and related offences before Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court.
The development comes amid growing international concerns over cybercrime. In July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of certain non-immigrant visas to three months and limiting them to single entry. The affected categories include the B1/B2 visas for business and tourism, as well as F and J visas for students and exchange visitors.