EFCC speaks on hotel raid in Niger state, says operatives arrested 11 suspects over ‘internet fraud’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives were responsible for the arrest of 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Niger state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, had reported that gunmen disguised as EFCC operatives abducted 10 persons from the White Hill Hotel on Shiroro Road, Chanchaga LGA of Niger state.

Makama said the abduction occurred around 4:58 am on February 27, when the armed men reportedly stormed the hotel.

The publication said the suspects disabled the hotel’s CCTV cameras before entering guests’ rooms one by one, forcibly taking away 10 people to an unknown destination.

However, in a statement on Sunday, the anti-graft commission took responsibility for the raid, clarifying that 11 suspects were arrested.

The commission said the suspects were arrested “in broad daylight,” contrary to allegations that the operation was carried out in the early hours of the morning.

“They were arrested in broad daylight at White Hotel, Chanchangi Local Government Area in Niger state following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet activities,” the statement reads.

“Items recovered from them include two vehicles and 13 phones of different brands.

“The commission’s operatives carried out the arrest professionally with no motive or tinge of abduction.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.”