In Anambra State, a tragic incident occurred during a mission to apprehend a group of armed internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo Boys. Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were involved in the operation when they came under fire from the suspects.
This confrontation resulted in the unfortunate loss of one EFCC operative’s life and left another critically injured. Sources have confirmed the circumstances surrounding this event, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against internet fraud and cybercrime, sources confirmed to The Gazette. …CONTINUE READING
One officer was killed instantly, while another sustained severe injuries and was hospitalised in critical condition as of Friday night. The team had traveled to Anambra from their zonal headquarters in Enugu for the operation.
When contacted, an EFCC spokesperson stated they would look into the incident, while the Anambra police spokesperson was unavailable for immediate comment.
The attack occurred amidst ongoing efforts by EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede to revise protocols for tackling white-collar crimes. Yahoo Boys were previously considered non-violent and were typically apprehended without resistance.
The deceased officer, identified as an assistant superintendent, had recently completed a promotional examination.
The incident has raised concerns among anti-graft operatives, particularly regarding the agency’s lack of adequate personnel insurance.
“We no longer have life insurance,” an officer disclosed anonymously, highlighting that compensation for fallen officers’ families had not been issued since the tenure of Farida Waziri.
Another officer lamented the situation, saying, “The families of the officer that died today won’t be getting anything. So can we say he died for nothing?”