Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, October 26, 2026, carried out a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State, to apprehend suspected cybercrime fraudsters allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers while impersonating various individuals.
The operation, which commenced at 5 a.m., resulted in the arrest of 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters and the recovery of five exotic cars.
The suspects were apprehended following diligent pre-arrest surveillance and reconnaissance of their activities. A young woman who allegedly attempted to obstruct the operation by making telephone calls to alert the suspects was temporarily held, and her phone was confiscated until the conclusion of the operation. The phone was subsequently returned to her.
Preliminary investigations indicted 19 of the arrested suspects, while the remaining two were released.
The indicted suspects will be arraigned in court immediately.
As the EFCC continues its fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, the public is urged to support the Commission and openly condemn the activities of fraudsters whose actions bring the nation into disrepute.
The sting operation at Applewood Estate was professionally conducted, with no reported incidents of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest. The Commission remains open to constructive engagement with well-meaning Nigerians but will not allow blackmailers and alarmists to sabotage its mandate.
