How EFCC Operative Was Shot Dead By Yahoo Boy During Night Raid In Anambra

A suspected group of internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys,” has killed an officer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) named Salisu, and critically injured another in Awka, Anambra State.

According to sources, the EFCC team had been sent on a mission to arrest suspected cybercriminals when the tragic incident occurred early on Friday morning.

The operatives from the EFCC Enugu Zonal Command were targeting people involved in internet fraud in Awka.

A source told SaharaReporters that the team raided several locations successfully before a suspect who initially refused to open his door, opened fire thinking they might be robbers or kidnappers.

“They arrived Awka very early today to the first home of suspected fraudsters, successfully raided and arrested several persons with exhibits, including credit cards and four luxurious vehicles,” the source said on Saturday.

“They then set out to visit another location but reportedly found that they were short-staffed and relocated to a smaller location.

“Upon arriving there, it was a location with several apartments. So they told the gatemen to point them to the place of the person they suspected.

“He refused to open his door, apparently suspecting they might be robbers or kidnappers.

“The person of interest refused to open his door asking who they were to which they responded they were EFCC operatives.” 

The situation escalated when the team attempted to break into the apartment, and the suspect opened fire. Salisu, the lead officer, was shot and seriously injured, while another officer was also wounded.

The source said, “The EFCC team proceeded to break into his apartment and the suspect opened fire on the lead person; an EFCC operative known as Salisu.

“He was seriously injured, but still alive with a second operative injured in his left hand. The operatives rushed the operative to a hospital.

“They arrived at the General Hospital in Awka but there were no doctors. Only two hospital nurses were around who advised them to look for a private hospital.”

The source said the EFCC operatives were advised to seek a private hospital, which they did. Unfortunately, at Amaco Hospital, the doctor confirmed that Salisu had died from his injuries.

Reports indicated that none of the EFCC operatives had bulletproof vests during the operation—only their branded EFCC jackets.

The incident has prompted an investigation by the Anambra State Police, which confirmed the suspect is in custody, and the weapon has been recovered.

In a statement, Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

He added that the suspect had been apprehended and that the firearm used in the attack had been seized.

“Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody, and the firearm has been recovered. Further details shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga said

Meanwhile, Salisu’s body was flown to Sokoto State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Sources revealed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, visited Awka to ensure the smooth transportation of the body and to apply pressure on the police to act.

It was gathered that when the EFCC first arrested some of the suspects, the police delayed the operation, claiming that the EFCC had not sought permission to conduct their raid in the area.

“When the EFCC operatives arrested the first set of suspected “yahoo boys” the police in Awka waylaid the operatives and delayed them, claiming they did not seek permission before coming to their jurisdiction to carry out such operation.

“The attack and killing of the EFCC operative happened around 4am on Friday. The EFCC operative is being flown to Sokoto for burial according to Islamic rites.”

“The Chief of Army staff reportedly visited Awka to arrange for transportation of his body and pressure the Nigerian police to act,” SaharaReporters was told.

KanyiDaily had also reported how 17 yahoo boys were arrested by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).