EFCC warns rising internet fraud fuelling visa restrictions on Nigerians

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned that the growing prevalence of internet fraud is aggravating visa restrictions faced by Nigerians abroad, with law-abiding citizens increasingly subjected to stringent travel conditions.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, issued the warning on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. He was represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle. The commission released details of his remarks in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the EFCC, cybercrime, money laundering, and other forms of economic sabotage cost Nigeria billions of naira annually, undermining national development and depriving citizens of infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities.

Olukoyede stressed that beyond the economic toll, fraudulent practices damage Nigeria’s reputation internationally, exposing innocent Nigerians to stricter immigration checks and reduced access to foreign opportunities.

“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. 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 was quoted as saying.

The EFCC chairman urged young people in the South-South and across the country to redirect their energy into productive ventures, including digital innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry. He further reiterated the commission’s commitment to intensifying sensitisation campaigns, enforcement efforts, and collaboration with communities in tackling financial crimes.

Other speakers at the event included representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who warned against the dangers of drug abuse, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which highlighted the risks of pipeline vandalism in the South-South region.

The EFCC has recently ramped up operations against cybercrime nationwide. In August, operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected internet fraudsters at a hotel in Ikorodu, Lagos, recovering vehicles, mobile phones, and suspected narcotics.

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 individuals, including two brothers, on charges bordering on advance fee fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and retention of proceeds of crime. Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sentenced them after they pleaded guilty.

The development comes amid growing international concern over cybercrime. In July, the United States revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, reducing the validity of certain non-immigrant visas to three months and restricting them to single entry. The affected categories include B1/B2 visas for business and tourism, as well as F and J visas for students and exchange visitors.

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