Update: 183+ Young Men Aged 16 to 29 Nabbed as Army Dismantles Major Internet Fraud Syndicate in Delta State [VIDEO]

 

Security forces under the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully dismantled what appears to be a major cybercrime training center in Asaba, Delta State. Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, troops carried out a raid on July 19, 2025, that resulted in the arrest of numerous suspects and the seizure of a significant quantity of digital equipment believed to be used in internet fraud operations.

Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, confirmed the operation through an official statement. The carefully coordinated action was conducted after military personnel received a tip-off regarding suspicious activities taking place within a cluster of apartments in the Asaba area.

According to the statement, all suspects apprehended are male and fall within the age range of 16 to 29. These individuals were found occupying residential spaces that had been converted into a makeshift cybercrime training center. The environment, according to military sources, had all the trappings of an organized syndicate with the sole aim of grooming and enabling digital fraud.

During the course of the raid, troops recovered an impressive haul of electronic devices. Among the items seized were 274 assorted laptops, 87 mobile phones of various makes, 9 laptop chargers, 2 WiFi devices, and a single table phone. The quantity and nature of these materials suggest the suspects were not merely participating in cybercrime but also likely training others to execute fraudulent online activities on a large scale.

The Army is currently subjecting the arrested individuals and the recovered items to preliminary investigation. Captain Rijau noted that the appropriate legal actions would follow upon the conclusion of these ongoing inquiries. The statement also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to maintaining public safety and dismantling criminal networks operating in the cyber domain.

Brigadier General MA Shonibare, Commander of 63 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force under Operation Delta Safe, praised the troops for their professionalism and dedication. He emphasized that the success of the operation highlights the growing efficiency of security agencies in tackling non-traditional threats such as internet fraud. The commander further called on community members to maintain vigilance and support security forces through timely reporting of suspicious activity.

Residents in Asaba have expressed mixed reactions to the development. While many commend the Army’s initiative, others are shocked by the scale and organization of the criminal operation taking place in what had appeared to be a quiet neighborhood. Some locals voiced concern over the increasing involvement of young people in online fraud, often referred to in Nigeria as "Yahoo Yahoo."

Efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria have been ramped up in recent years, with both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army taking proactive roles. The arrest of such a large group of suspected internet fraudsters in one location underscores the depth of the problem and the need for sustained and collaborative action.

It is also significant that the suspects arrested are all relatively young, reflecting a troubling trend of youth involvement in digital crime. Experts have attributed this development to rising unemployment, peer pressure, and the glorification of sudden wealth on social media platforms.

Brigadier General Shonibare concluded his remarks by urging the general public to continue partnering with the military and other law enforcement agencies. He reminded citizens that sustainable peace and security depend heavily on active community involvement and the willingness to provide useful information to the authorities.

With operations like this one in Asaba, the Nigerian Army continues to reinforce its stance against all forms of criminality, whether physical or digital. The message is clear: those who exploit the internet for illegal gain will not escape the watchful eye of the nation’s security apparatus.