By Abiodun JIMOH
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for the recent arrest of 792 suspects allegedly linked to a crypto investment and romance scam.
This is contained in a statement by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani on Thursday in Lagos.
CISLAC stated that the operation, carried out on Dec. 10, 2024, at a seven-story building in Victoria Island, Lagos, was a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria.
According to EFCC, the identity of the suspects include 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two citizens of Kharzartan, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian.
The commission said the syndicate was believed to have recruited and trained young Nigerians to serve as local operatives, using their identities to mask the activities of the foreign masterminds.
The group applauded the EFCC’s efforts and professionalism, saying that the apprehension showed the commission’s fight against cybercrime and exposes foreign actors exploiting Nigerians.
“The arrest underscores the commission’s dedication to tackling cybercrime at the highest level.
“It proves that these crimes are often orchestrated by international actors, who exploit vulnerable Nigerians for their schemes, ” CISLAC said.
The organisation warned that such narratives had long damaged Nigeria’s international reputation and obscured the role of foreign actors who operate behind the scenes.
“These syndicates prey on unemployed or desperate young people by offering fake job opportunities and financial incentives, only to expose them to criminal risk while remaining in the shadows, ” it said.
CISLAC urged the EFCC to carry out a thorough, transparent investigation to ensure all parties regardless of nationality, were held accountable.
It also called on the Nigerian government to increase investment in youth-focused initiatives, digital safeguards, and cyber-literacy programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability to online fraud and recruitment by criminal networks.
The group emphasised that the fight against cybercrime cannot be won in isolation.
“Sustainable progress in combating cybercrime require strong institutional collaboration among key agencies such as the EFCC, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Many foreign criminals exploit weaknesses in immigration control to enter and operate in the country illegally, ” the group stared.
It said that enhanced immigration screening and proactive enforcement would prevent many of the actors from embedding themselves within local communities.
CISLAC also highlighted the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in intercepting illegal arms, equipment, and contraband used to facilitate organised crime.
According to CISLAC, strengthened border surveillance and inter-agency intelligence sharing, would significantly support the EFCC in dismantling both foreign-led and locally-supported criminal syndicates.
The organisation further called for deeper engagement with international partners, multilateral institutions, and credible civil society organisations.
“These entities can provide critical intelligence, credible data, and technical support that strengthen investigative and prosecutorial efforts.”it said.
CISLAC emphasised the importance of media and public awareness in addressing the social dimensions of cybercrime.
“The media must play a proactive role in reshaping public perception and educating young Nigerians on the long-term dangers of cybercrime,” the organisation stated.
