The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned that the rising cases of internet fraud are worsening visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent practices not only destroy the future of those involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s international image, leading to stricter travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.
Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, delivered the charge on Monday at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
According to a statement issued by the commission on Tuesday, the EFCC boss stressed that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national development and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.
“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. Easy come, easy go. Many who follow the path of ‘yahoo-yahoo’ always end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t destroy your tomorrow with shortcuts today,” Olukoyede was quoted as saying.
He urged young people across the South-South and beyond to channel their energy into productive ventures such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.
The EFCC Chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying sensitisation, enforcement, and community collaboration to combat fraud and related crimes.
Also at the event, Mathew Ewah of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) warned that drug abuse remains one of the most dangerous threats facing Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the region.
The warning comes as the EFCC intensifies its clampdown on cybercrime. In August, operatives from its Lagos Zonal Directorate arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters in Ikorodu, Lagos, recovering vehicles, mobile phones, and suspected narcotics. Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 individuals on charges related to advance fee fraud and fraudulent documents.
In July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of certain non-immigrant visas to three months and restricting them to single entry. The affected categories include B1/B2 visas for business and tourism, as well as F and J visas for students and exchange visitors.
