By In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, soldiers from the 3 Battalion Nigerian Army Barracks in Effurun, Delta State, have arrested approximately 100 youths suspected of involvement in internet fraud, local authorities reported Monday.
The military operation targeted a facility known as HK “Hustle Kingdom” School, allegedly a training center for aspiring cybercriminals, located within the Army Estate, a residential area for retired military officers and civilians in Uvwie, Delta State.
Sources familiar with the operation told PUNCH Metro that the raid followed months of intelligence gathering on the school’s activities. The military personnel stormed the facility “in the early hours and late Saturday,” apprehending over one hundred suspects, including the alleged owner of the school and his accomplices.
The Army Estate, where the school was discovered, is described as a highbrow residential Post Service Housing Estate, making the presence of such an operation particularly alarming to local authorities.
Following the arrests, the military authorities at the 3 Battalion Nigerian Army Barracks in Effurun have reportedly transferred custody of the suspects to the police at Ekpan in Uvwie for further investigation and potential prosecution. The handover occurred after initial profiling by the military.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests but could not provide detailed information about the apprehension process.
This raid highlights the ongoing battle against cybercrime in Nigeria, a country that has struggled with its international reputation due to internet fraud schemes often referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo.” The discovery of a training school for such activities within a military residential area underscores the pervasive nature of the problem and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating it.
The operation also demonstrates increased cooperation between military and police forces in tackling cybercrime, which has become a significant concern for Nigerian authorities in recent years. As investigations continue, this case may provide valuable insights into the structure and operations of cybercriminal networks in the region.
The arrest of 100 suspects in a single operation marks a substantial development in Nigeria’s efforts to curb internet fraud and improve its global cybersecurity standing. As the case progresses, it is likely to draw attention to the need for enhanced digital literacy and cybercrime prevention measures across the country.
Punchng.com
