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, targeted suspects allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers while impersonating different individuals.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement, adding that five exotic cars were recovered during the operation.
According to the commission, the arrests followed pre-arrest surveillance and reconnaissance of the suspects’ activities.
The statement also disclosed that a young woman who allegedly attempted to disrupt the operation by making telephone calls to alert the suspects was held temporarily, while her phone was confiscated until the operation ended.
The commission said the phone was subsequently returned to her.
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.
It added that the 19 suspects would be arraigned in court immediately.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, urging Nigerians to support its efforts and condemn activities that damage the country’s reputation.
Addressing concerns surrounding the operation, the EFCC maintained that the raid was professionally conducted, with no reported incidents of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest.
It also said it remained open to constructive engagement with well-meaning Nigerians but warned that attempts to undermine its mandate through blackmail and alarmist claims would not be tolerated.
