The Nigeria Police has officially confirmed the fatal attack on an officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by armed internet fraudsters, popularly referred to as Yahoo Boys, in Anambra State. The tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety and welfare of law enforcement agents working to combat cybercrime in the country.
According to details of the attack, the EFCC team was on a routine operation targeting suspected cybercriminals when they encountered heavy gunfire from the assailants. The confrontation took place on Friday, leaving one officer dead and another critically injured. The operation, which was launched from the EFCC’s zonal headquarters in Enugu, was reportedly part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on internet fraud in the region.
The officer who lost his life was an assistant superintendent of the EFCC and had recently passed a promotional examination, further highlighting the gravity of the loss. His colleague, who sustained severe injuries during the attack, is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility. As of Friday night, his condition was reported to be critical but stable.
A fellow EFCC officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed discontent over the lack of adequate welfare measures for personnel. The officer revealed that since the tenure of former EFCC chairperson Farida Waziri, there has been no active life insurance policy for agents in the field. “The families of the officer that died today won’t be getting anything. Can we then say he died for nothing?” the officer remarked, highlighting the need for better support systems for law enforcement personnel.
Reacting to the incident, the Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that investigations are already underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack. “Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody, and the firearm has been recovered. Further details will be communicated, please,” Ikenga told Daily Trust during an official briefing.
The attack has sparked debates about the increasing risks faced by anti-graft agencies in their fight against cybercrime, with many calling for enhanced protection measures for EFCC personnel. The tragic loss of life has also reignited discussions about ensuring justice for families of fallen officers and equipping law enforcement agents with the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.