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Operatives of the EFCC
By BONIFACE AKARAH
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected internet fraudsters during a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State, recovering five exotic cars in the process.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity unit on October 27, 2026, saying the operation was conducted at about 5am on Monday, October 26.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were allegedly involved in obtaining money from unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers while impersonating different individuals.
The commission said the operation was preceded by surveillance and reconnaissance of the suspects’ activities to ensure their arrest was carried out professionally.
It also explained that a young woman who allegedly attempted to alert the suspects by making telephone calls during the operation was held temporarily, while her phone was confiscated until the operation ended.
“The phone was later released to her,” the commission stated.
Giving an update on the investigation, the EFCC said preliminary findings implicated 19 of the 21 arrested suspects, while the remaining two had been released.
“All the indicted suspects will be arraigned in court immediately,” the commission added.
The agency defended its conduct during the operation, insisting that its officers did not harass, intimidate or unlawfully arrest anyone.
“The Sting Operation at Applewood Estate was professionally carried out, with no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of anyone,” the statement said.
The EFCC urged Nigerians to support its campaign against economic and financial crimes, calling on the public to condemn activities that damage the country’s reputation.
It also said it remained open to constructive engagement but warned against attempts to undermine its operations.
“The Commission is open to constructive engagement by well-meaning Nigerians but blackmailers and alarmists will not be allowed to sabotage its mandate,” it stated.
