EFCC’s Official X (Twitter) Account Disappears Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

The official X account of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which boasted over 2.2 million followers, has vanished from the platform. Multiple sources noted the disappearance on August 15, 2024, sparking speculation and concern over the security of Nigeria’s government digital assets.

The account, which was a primary channel for the EFCC to communicate its operations, updates, and public service announcements, now returns a message indicating that “This account doesn’t exist.” This development follows closely after threats from a group of suspected internet fraudsters, known colloquially as “Yahoo Boys,” who vowed cyber warfare against the anti-corruption agency. These threats were posted on various online forums, including Reddit, as a response to the EFCC’s recent aggressive crackdowns on internet fraud across university campuses and hotels.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s chief spokesman, has confirmed that the account has been inaccessible for three days, attributing the issue to “network problems.” He reassured the public that the agency’s ICT department is working diligently to restore the account. However, this explanation has not quelled the rumors and theories circulating on social media, with some users suggesting that the account might have been hacked or that there could be internal issues with account management.

The timing of the account’s disappearance has led to widespread speculation. Some X users have suggested that fraudster threats might have played a role, although no direct evidence links the cyber threats to the account’s removal. Others speculate on technical glitches or even a deliberate deactivation due to policy violations, though no official statement from X has confirmed such actions.

This incident comes as the EFCC has been under scrutiny for its methods in combating internet fraud, with critics arguing that the agency’s tactics infringe on civil liberties. The disappearance of its X account, therefore, raises questions not only about cyber security but also about the transparency and communication strategies of government bodies in the digital age.

While the EFCC’s other social media platforms, like Instagram and its official website, remain operational, the loss of its X presence is significant, given X’s role as a primary battleground for public opinion and information dissemination in Nigeria. The situation underscores digital assets’ vulnerability to external threats and internal mismanagement.