The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm that the surge in internet fraud is fueling stricter visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the trend is not only destroying the lives of those involved but also denting Nigeria’s global reputation.
He noted that this has led to tougher entry conditions for law-abiding citizens.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Monday at an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Olukoyede—represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle—urged young people to abandon fraudulent activities and embrace productive ventures.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued by the commission on Tuesday.
According to him, crimes such as internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage cost the country billions of naira annually, depriving citizens of jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities.
Beyond financial losses, he stressed, the crimes “erode Nigeria’s international image and subject innocent Nigerians to stricter visa restrictions abroad.”
Olukoyede further warned that fraud is a trap, not a path to success. “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,” he said.
He pledged that the EFCC would intensify public sensitisation, enforcement, and community partnerships to combat cybercrime.
Also present at the Port Harcourt event, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) warned of the dangers of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South region.
The EFCC has stepped up its anti-cybercrime operations in recent months.
In August, operatives arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at a Lagos hotel after days of surveillance, recovering vehicles, phones, and suspected narcotics.
In Edo State, 12 fraudsters were recently convicted and sentenced for offences including advance fee fraud and retention of proceeds of crime.
Nigeria’s image problem abroad has already triggered diplomatic consequences.
In July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerians, cutting the validity of certain non-immigrant visas to three months and limiting them to single entry.
The new rules affect categories such as business, tourism, student, and exchange visitor visas.