The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has linked the surge in internet fraud to the tightening of visa rules against innocent Nigerians abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices are wrecking the future of perpetrators and damaging Nigeria’s global reputation. He explained that the trend is compelling other nations to impose tougher travel conditions on law-abiding citizens.
Represented by Chief Superintendent CSE Coker Oyegunle at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Olukoyede warned of the long-term consequences of cybercrime.
According to a statement issued by the commission, internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, stifle national growth, and deny citizens jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities.
“Beyond the economic damage, the crimes erode Nigeria’s image and subject innocent Nigerians to harsher visa restrictions abroad,” the statement read.
Olukoyede urged young Nigerians to channel their energy into innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry rather than cybercrime.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ 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.
The EFCC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to intensifying public sensitisation, enforcement, and community collaboration in combating cybercrime.
At the same event, NDLEA’s Mathew Ewah warned that drug abuse poses a grave threat to Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South.
The EFCC has recently intensified its crackdown on internet fraud. In August, its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos, seizing vehicles, mobile phones, and suspected narcotics.
In July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, cutting the validity of certain non-immigrant visas to three months and restricting them to single entry. The affected categories include B1/B2 business and tourist visas, as well as F and J visas for students and exchange visitors.
