The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on students across Nigeria to raise their voices against internet fraud, emphasizing their crucial role in combating the menace.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the appeal during a sensitization and re-engagement visit to Doveland International School, Abuja.
The event, held in the school’s assembly hall, aimed to educate students on the dangers of internet fraud and corruption.
Speaking on behalf of the Olukoyede, the Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACEII) Aisha Mohammed, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to engaging young people in the fight against corruption.
She urged students to take a stand, as their voices could influence both fraudsters and the older generation.
“The future belongs to you. That’s why we are here, urging you to join this fight and secure a better future. The older generations are phasing out, and without proper guidance, the mess will keep recycling.
“Your voices matter. You matter. Please join us in this crusade and make Nigeria a better place for us all. Shun Yahoo Yahoo, exam malpractice, bullying, drugs, and other social vices,” she said.
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The Head of the Creative Communications Unit, Chris Oluka, also encouraged students to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and take an active role in rebuilding the country’s reputation.
He highlighted the damage internet fraudsters have done to Nigeria’s image and called for collective action.
“We are here today to let you know that you can be good ambassadors, foot soldiers, and take the front seat in this crusade to champion the fight against other social vices,” he stated.
Oluka further urged students to lead by example and even educate their parents on the effects of corruption, which he blamed for Nigeria’s infrastructural decay.
He recalled his own school days when public school students enjoyed free education, including bursaries, uniforms, books, and food—benefits now eroded by corruption.
“Why don’t we have those things now? It’s because of corruption. Corruption is the reason we have bad roads, dilapidated hospitals and schools, lack of potable drinking water, unstable power supply, brain drain, poor working environments, and inadequate educational facilities.
“I’m saying enough is enough; let’s drive this fight together now and safeguard your future,” he added.
Eniola Kayode, from the EFCC’s Cybercrime Section, warned students about the dangers of interacting with strangers online.
She cautioned that such engagements could make them easy targets for sextortion and other cybercrimes.
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She also advised them to avoid clicking on suspicious links sent to their devices, as hackers could gain access to their sensitive information and use it for blackmail.
To prevent such risks, she urged students not to store nude pictures on their phones.
“When hackers gain access to your devices, they can start holding you to ransom. When this happens, report immediately to the EFCC, the police, your parents, or a trusted adult and ignore the threats from criminals,” she advised.
As part of the event, a quiz competition was held, with students Nifemi Odeseye and Yosola Ogunsola emerging as winners.
They were rewarded with brand-new mobile phones and appointed as EFCC Ambassadors to further spread the anti-corruption message among their peers.
The visit to Doveland International School is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to engage young Nigerians and promote integrity, discipline, and patriotism in the fight against corruption.
