In a recent crackdown on internet fraud, Nigerian authorities have apprehended 13 students from Usmanu Danfodio University, located in the northwestern city of Sokoto. This is part of a broader campaign targeting cybercrime and other online fraud schemes that have plagued the country for decades. Known for its widespread cyber fraud, Nigeria has earned a reputation for the so-called “Yahoo boys,” young people engaging in online scams, often involving fake narratives like the notorious “Nigerian prince” email scam.
Although this scam first emerged in the 1990s, it remains a persistent problem, with some still falling for the fraudulent schemes. Alongside this, Nigerian youths have been involved in more sophisticated fraud tactics, such as romance scams. In these cases, fraudsters create fake online personas, develop romantic relationships with victims, and then request money under false pretenses, disappearing once the funds are received. Another common scam is Business Email Compromise (BEC), also referred to as CEO fraud, where criminals gain access to company networks and trick employees into transferring money into fraudulent accounts.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arrested the students based on credible intelligence that suggested their involvement in internet-related offenses. This move comes on the heels of other high-profile raids, such as the recent detention of students at the Federal University of Minna, which sparked outrage and complaints about random and indiscriminate detentions.
These frequent raids have led to growing concerns that innocent students are often caught up in the crackdowns. A year ago, 70 students from Obafemi Awolowo University were detained in a similar raid, prompting protests from students who felt they were unjustly targeted.
Experts argue that youth unemployment in Nigeria is a significant driver of cybercrime, with many young Nigerians turning to illegal means to secure quick wealth. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 53% of the country’s youth are unemployed, and the lack of job opportunities, coupled with widespread corruption, is exacerbating the issue.
Human rights activists, such as Chubby Reuben of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, warn that this trend is damaging to the nation’s future, as it diverts the energy of the youth into criminal activities instead of productive endeavors. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive policy reforms to tackle both unemployment and the growing threat of cybercrime in the country.
