EFCC Officer Killed, Another Injured in Clash with Armed Yahoo Boys in Anambra

An officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was tragically killed, and another critically injured, during a violent encounter with suspected internet fraudsters, locally referred to as “Yahoo Boys,” in Anambra State on Friday, January 17, 2025.

The incident occurred when EFCC operatives from the Enugu zonal headquarters conducted an operation in Onitsha to apprehend cybercriminals. According to reports, the suspects opened fire on the anti-graft officials upon noticing their presence.

The deceased officer, an assistant superintendent who had recently passed his promotional exams, was fatally shot on the scene. A colleague sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The chaos also left bystanders injured as they scrambled for safety amidst the gunfire.

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway. One male suspect was apprehended during the operation, but his identity and legal representation remain undisclosed.

This attack has raised serious concerns about law enforcement officers’ safety in cybercrime operations. It also underscores the alarming trend of internet fraudsters resorting to armed violence—a stark shift from the traditionally non-violent nature of cybercrime.

The EFCC has not yet released an official statement, but the incident has sparked widespread public outrage and grief. Social media users and community members are calling for swift justice and improved protective measures for law enforcement personnel combating cybercrime.

The attack has also reignited debates about the operational protocols of such raids, emphasizing the need for better strategies and resources to ensure the safety of operatives in the face of escalating violence linked to cybercrime in Nigeria.