The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised an alarm over a disturbing surge in criminal activities by impersonators posing as its operatives, warning Nigerians to be vigilant against fake sting operations and coordinated extortion schemes.
In a public alert issued by the Commission, the EFCC disclosed that intelligence reports have uncovered “ingenious but fraudulent” tactics deployed by criminal gangs to tarnish its image while exploiting unsuspecting citizens.
According to the anti-graft agency, one of the emerging tactics involves fraudsters targeting young Nigerians at eateries and popular hangout spots across major cities.
The suspects reportedly ambush victims, accuse them of being internet fraudsters without evidence, and forcibly seize their valuables.
“These criminals disguise themselves in fake EFCC uniforms and transport their victims to locations designed to resemble EFCC offices, thereby lending credibility to their illegal operations,” the Commission revealed.
The EFCC further exposed another group of itinerant criminals who reportedly harass motorists on the basis of their vehicle number plates.
Armed with dangerous weapons, the impostors allegedly intimidate victims into parting with money over fabricated allegations.
In a related trend, the Commission warned about the rise of online impersonators and content creators staging fake EFCC raid videos.
These dramatizations often feature forced entries, broken doors, and chaotic scenes, falsely portraying the Commission as engaging in unlawful operations.
The agency cautioned that such misleading content could deceive members of the public into wrongly accusing EFCC operatives of misconduct.
“The public is enjoined to be circumspect in evaluating claims intended to drag the Commission’s image into the mud,” the EFCC stated, emphasizing that it operates under strict standard procedures and established channels for complaints against its personnel.
The EFCC also called on citizens to report suspicious activities and verify the identity of any individual claiming to represent the agency before complying with demands or submitting to any form of arrest.
Cc: Sahara Reporters