The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has raised concerns that the surge in cybercrime is contributing to stricter visa regulations for Nigerians abroad.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said fraudulent activities not only jeopardise the future of those involved but also damage Nigeria’s global reputation, leading to tougher travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Coker Oyegunle, made the remarks on Monday, during an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.

His comments were contained in a statement released by the commission on Tuesday.

The statement noted that internet fraud, money laundering, and economic sabotage drain billions of naira from the Nigerian economy every year, stalling growth and denying citizens critical infrastructure, jobs, and opportunities. Beyond the financial toll, the EFCC boss stressed that these crimes damage Nigeria’s international standing and expose innocent citizens to harsher visa scrutiny.

He urged young Nigerians, especially those in the South-South, to channel their talents into legitimate sectors such as technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the creative industry.

“Fraud is not success; it is a trap. What comes easily often goes just as fast. Many who embrace cybercrime end up losing their freedom, reputation, and future. The law is catching up with them, and digital footprints never disappear. Don’t ruin tomorrow with shortcuts today,” Olukoyede was quoted as saying.

The EFCC chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening awareness campaigns, enforcement, and collaboration with communities in the fight against financial crimes.

Also addressing participants at the event, representatives of other security agencies warned against additional threats facing Nigerian youths. Mathew Ewah of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, described drug abuse as one of the gravest dangers confronting young people, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, cautioned against pipeline vandalism in the South-South region.

The EFCC has in recent months intensified its clampdown on cybercrime across the country. In August, operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 arrested 38 suspected fraudsters at Mambillah Hotel in Ikorodu, Lagos, after days of surveillance. Items recovered included cars, mobile devices, and substances believed to be narcotics.

Similarly, the Benin Zonal Directorate secured the conviction of 12 individuals, among them two brothers, for offences linked to advance fee fraud and possession of fraudulent documents. Justice M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sentenced them after they pleaded guilty, with the court also ordering the forfeiture of proceeds traced to the crimes.