Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have uncovered a shocking internet fraud training camp popularly known as a “Yahoo Academy” in Abuja, arresting 31 suspects in a sting operation that exposes the dark underbelly of cybercrime recruitment in Nigeria.
According to EFCC, the raid which was carried out on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Becki Estate in Karu, Federal Capital Territory, led to the capture of two alleged kingpins and dozens of trainees who were reportedly undergoing intensive tutorials in online fraud when the operatives struck.
Items recovered from the suspects include multiple mobile phones, 18 laptop computers, and other digital gadgets believed to have been used for cybercrime operations. But beyond the arrests, the details emerging from the EFCC’s investigation paint a disturbing picture.
The commission stated that many of the young recruits were lured from Benue State with promises of legitimate job opportunities. Instead, they found themselves trapped in a tightly controlled environment where they were allegedly forced into learning internet fraud.
“Investigation by the Commission revealed that some of the interns were lured all the way from Benue State by the academy proprietors with the promise of job offers,” the agency stated.
Upon arrival, the recruits were reportedly stripped of their freedom—housed within the facility, denied movement, and cut off from the outside world after their phones were confiscated.
“They were handed communication devices, computers and software, setting the stage for their training in cyber fraud.”
Even more chilling were allegations of abuse used to enforce discipline.
“To enforce compliance and dedication, the proprietors house the recruits in the academy and restrict their movements strictly within the perimeters of the facility and forcibly took possession of their mobile phones, thus totally cutting them off from the outside world.”
“Furthermore, corporal punishment was the order of the day, with heavy-handed physical assault meted out to interns who were seen to be recalcitrant.”
The EFCC confirmed that all suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The bust adds to growing concerns over the rise of organized cybercrime training hubs across Nigeria—operations that not only fuel fraud but exploit vulnerable young people under the guise of opportunity.
