The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected internet fraudsters during an operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State.
The operation was carried out around 5am on Monday, October 26, 2026, by operatives from the commission’s Lagos Directorate 1.
The EFCC said the suspects were allegedly involved in internet fraud, including obtaining money from unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrency transactions and international money transfers while impersonating other people.
Five exotic cars were reportedly seized during the operation.
According to the commission, preliminary investigations implicated 19 of the 21 suspects, while the remaining two were released. It added that the 19 suspects would be arraigned in court.
The raid has generated public reactions following the circulation of a video reportedly showing EFCC operatives confronting and assaulting a young man during the operation.
However, the commission denied allegations of harassment, intimidation and unlawful arrests, insisting that the operation followed surveillance and reconnaissance of the suspects’ activities.
The EFCC also disclosed that a young woman was held after allegedly attempting to alert some of the suspects through telephone calls. Her phone was reportedly confiscated during the operation but returned after the exercise ended.
The commission maintained that the operation was professionally conducted and that there was no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest.
It urged Nigerians to support its efforts to combat economic and financial crimes, while warning against attempts to undermine its work through blackmail and misleading claims.
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Despite the commission’s position, the raid has continued to attract criticism on social media, with some Nigerians calling for greater transparency and accountability in EFCC operations.
One social media user questioned reports that Orchid Road had experienced six raids within two months, arguing that the frequency of the operations required an explanation from the authorities.
Other users expressed concerns about the treatment of people during raids and the economic difficulties facing young Nigerians.
The online reactions came amid claims that EFCC operatives had repeatedly conducted operations in the Orchid Road area.
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