EFCC Chief Raises Alarm Over Surge in Student Involvement in Cybercrime
The head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned that a significant number of Nigerian students are becoming involved in cybercrime, describing the trend as a growing national concern.
According to the EFCC boss, as many as six in ten students are either directly or indirectly engaged in internet-related fraud, a claim that underscores the scale of the challenge facing authorities.
He attributed the rise to factors including unemployment, peer pressure, and the glamorization of illicit wealth on social media, which has influenced younger populations.
The anti-graft agency said it has intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts, particularly targeting cybercrime networks often linked to student communities.
Analysts say the development highlights deeper socio-economic issues, including limited job opportunities and gaps in digital ethics education, which are driving some youths toward illegal online activities.
The EFCC has called for stronger collaboration between educational institutions, parents, and law enforcement agencies to curb the trend, emphasizing the need for awareness campaigns and stricter consequences.
The warning comes amid broader efforts by authorities to combat cybercrime in Nigeria, which continues to face international scrutiny over internet fraud activities.
