Army Raids Cybercrime Hubs in Delta, Arrests 183 Suspects

The Nigerian Army has apprehended 183 young men suspected of engaging in internet fraud during a series of coordinated raids in Effurun, Abraka in Delta State.

The operation, carried out on July 19 by troops of the 63 Brigade and Sector 1 of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), followed intelligence reports about cybercrime training camps in the area. The suspects, aged between 16 and 29, were picked up from several residential buildings allegedly used for grooming internet fraudsters.

During the sweep, troops recovered a total of 274 laptops, 87 mobile phones, nine laptop chargers, a table phone, and two WiFi routers.

A statement from the brigade noted that investigations are ongoing, and all suspects will be processed according to the law.

On the same day, in a separate operation in Ezionun Community, the troops arrested a 26-year-old man identified as Igbe Lucky Chika. He is suspected to be a member of the Viking confraternity, a known cult group.

Items recovered from him include a locally fabricated gun, an axe, a cutlass, two mobile phones, and a Toyota Camry registered as Delta ASB 41 BE.

Commander of the 63 Brigade, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, commended the troops for the successful operation and urged residents to continue supporting the military’s efforts to rid communities of criminal elements.