EFCC’s Battle Against Yahoo Boys: Success in Benin, Tragedy in Awka

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operation targeting suspected internet fraudsters turned tragic on Friday, January 17, 2025, when an EFCC operative, Salisu, was fatally shot during a raid in Awka, Anambra State.

Incident in Awka

The EFCC team, dispatched from the Enugu Zonal Command, arrived in Awka early Friday morning to apprehend a group of cybercriminals, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys.”

After successfully raiding their first target location, where they arrested several suspects and seized credit cards and four luxury vehicles, the operatives moved to a second location.

At this second location, around 4:00 AM, the team encountered resistance from their target, who initially refused to open his door, reportedly mistaking the operatives for robbers.

The EFCC operatives identified themselves, but the suspect still refused entry, prompting the team to break in.

Once inside, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding Salisu on his stomach and injuring another operative in the left hand.

The injured operatives rushed Salisu to the Awka General Hospital but were met with no doctors on duty.

Nurses on site advised them to seek treatment at a private facility.

They proceeded to Amaco Hospital, where the doctor on duty confirmed Salisu’s death and admitted the injured operative, although treatment was delayed due to the lack of a blood transfusion setup.

Response and Burial

Salisu’s body was transported to Sokoto State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, visited Awka to oversee the transportation of Salisu’s remains and press the police to act swiftly.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated, “Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody, and the firearm has been recovered. Further details shall be communicated.”

EFCC Raid in Benin City

In a separate operation in Benin City, Edo State, EFCC operatives arrested 25 suspected internet fraudsters at a cybercrime training center. The raid, conducted on Thursday, January 16, 2025, followed credible intelligence about the facility, described as a “Yahoo academy.”

Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, revealed, “The suspects were apprehended at their hideout with items including six exotic cars, laptops, and phones. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion.”

Reports revealed that EFCC operatives dispatched for night operations, such as the one in Awka, were ill-equipped, wearing only branded jackets without bulletproof vests.

 

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