The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned that increasing cases of internet fraud are leading to stricter visa restrictions for innocent Nigerians abroad.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Chief Superintendent Coker Oyegunle, spoke on Monday at a Port Harcourt event organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs. He stressed that fraudulent activities damage Nigeria’s reputation, causing harsher travel conditions for law-abiding citizens.

Olukoyede urged youths to focus on productive sectors like digital innovation, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, warning that “fraud is not success; it is a trap” with lasting consequences.

The EFCC recently intensified efforts against cybercrime, arresting 38 suspected fraudsters in Lagos and securing convictions in Edo State for fraud-related offences.

In July, the US reduced the validity of Nigerian visas, including business, tourism, and student visas, a move linked to the rise in fraud cases.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud through enforcement and community collaboration.

The Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, Mr. Atu Terver, popularly known as Krayzeetee, has reportedly been abducted by unknown individuals.

The incident came to light late Tuesday after his wife shared an emotional post on social media, raising the alarm.

She revealed that her husband called her in a terrified voice saying, “I have been abducted, call mummy,” before his phone went unreachable.

Terver recently made headlines after dismissing one of his aides who took part in a protest against killings in Benue.

Authorities have yet to confirm the abduction or provide updates on any rescue efforts.

About 40 worshippers were abducted by suspected terrorists at a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, during early morning prayers.

The attack reportedly occurred around 5:30 a.m. when gunmen stormed the mosque, surrounded it, and took the worshippers hostage. The captors are said to have taken the victims into nearby forests around the Gohori axis in Tsafe LGA.

This incident has plunged the rural community into fear and despair, especially as local leaders and some armed groups had recently engaged in peace talks aimed at reducing violence during the farming season.

Efforts to obtain confirmation or comment from Zamfara Police authorities were unsuccessful.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Yazid Abubakar, did not respond to calls or messages seeking information on the abduction.