Internet fraudsters, commonly known as “Yahoo Boys,” are now increasingly resorting to violence and carrying firearms, escalating criminal activities which poses a significant threat to public safety .
This was revealed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a grave warning in a recent security advisory, highlighted the growing sophistication and aggression of cybercrime syndicates operating within Nigeria.
These groups, once primarily involved in online scams and fraudulent activities, are now expanding their criminal repertoire to include armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Thpe EFCC attributed this alarming development to the increasing financial gains associated with cybercrime, enabling these groups to acquire sophisticated weaponry and engage in more violent activities. The commission emphasized the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach to combat this evolving threat, involving enhanced intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency collaboration, and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
It therefore called on citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. The commission also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities and educate them about the dangers of cybercrime.
