EFCC Alerts on Impersonators Posing as Officers

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission issued a public alert on Tuesday regarding a surge in impersonators posing as its officers to harass and defraud individuals across major Nigerian cities, aiming to undermine the agency's reputation.

In a statement from spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the EFCC described intelligence indicating that organized criminal groups are employing deceptive tactics to exploit public fears of corruption investigations. The agency, tasked with combating economic and financial crimes, emphasized that these fraudsters are not affiliated with its operations and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

One prevalent method involves gangs staking out popular eateries and leisure spots, where they target young people exiting these venues. The impersonators, dressed in counterfeit EFCC uniforms, accuse victims of internet fraud on baseless grounds and seize their valuables, such as phones and cash. They then transport those targeted to makeshift locations designed to mimic official EFCC offices, further perpetuating the deception.

Another group focuses on motorists, using vehicle license plates as a pretext for stops. These criminals, often armed...