The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters during a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State….
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters during a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The operation, conducted by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Directorate 1 at about 5am on Monday, October 26, 2026, also led to the seizure of five exotic cars.
In a statement, the EFCC said the suspects allegedly obtained money from unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers by impersonating different individuals.
The commission attributed the arrests to surveillance and reconnaissance carried out ahead of the operation.
It also disclosed that a young woman who allegedly attempted to alert the suspects by making telephone calls during the operation was temporarily held, while her phone was confiscated.
The phone was subsequently returned to her after the operation.
According to the EFCC, preliminary investigations implicated 19 of the 21 arrested suspects, while the remaining two were released.
The commission said the 19 indicted suspects would be arraigned in court immediately.
Defending the operation amid concerns over its conduct, the EFCC maintained that the raid was professionally executed, insisting that there was no harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest.
The commission 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 added that it remained open to constructive engagement with members of the public but warned that attempts to blackmail the commission or create unnecessary alarm would not be allowed to undermine its mandate.
