Armed internet fraudsters fatally shot an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and critically injured another during an encounter with anti-graft operatives in Anambra State.
The operatives had embarked on a mission to apprehend a group of suspected cybercriminals, commonly referred to as Yahoo Boys on Friday, when the suspects opened fire, resulting in the tragic incident.
One officer was killed instantly, while another sustained severe injuries and was hospitalised in critical condition as of Friday night. The team had traveled to Anambra from their zonal headquarters in Enugu for the operation.
When contacted, an EFCC spokesperson stated they would look into the incident, while the Anambra police spokesperson was unavailable for immediate comment.
The attack occurred amidst ongoing efforts by EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede to revise protocols for tackling white-collar crimes. Yahoo Boys were previously considered non-violent and were typically apprehended without resistance.
The deceased officer, identified as an assistant superintendent, had recently completed a promotional examination.
The incident has raised concerns among anti-graft operatives, particularly regarding the agency’s lack of adequate personnel insurance.
“We no longer have life insurance,” an officer disclosed anonymously, highlighting that compensation for fallen officers’ families had not been issued since the tenure of Farida Waziri.
Another officer lamented the situation, saying, “The families of the officer that died today won’t be getting anything. So can we say he died for nothing?”
