From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm over the increasing involvement of Nigerian youths in cybercrime, describing the trend as deeply troubling and detrimental to national development.
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Bode Thomas Division, Surulere, Lagos, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Ahmed Ghali, decried the growing rate at which young people are embracing fraudulent online activities.
Represented by ACE II Babatunde Sulaiman, Head of Public Affairs, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ghali said many youths had sacrificed their futures on the altar of excessive ambition and moral decay.
“As beautiful as your dreams may be, they could be doomed from the start if you don’t embrace the culture of discipline and integrity.
“Internet fraud has become a prevalent pastime among many youths, who are increasingly drifting toward antisocial behaviours that endanger public peace and undermine societal values”, he said.
Ghali described the internet as a double-edged sword, urging youths to channel their digital skills toward legitimate income streams.
“If you use it wisely, it can elevate you financially and enable you to contribute to your community’s development.
“But if you choose to use it for criminal purposes, you won’t just harm others, you’ll ruin your own future”, he warned.
The event, themed “The Role of the Boy Child in Community Development and Safety”, aimed to engage young males on their role in building a safer, more responsible society.
PCRC Chairman, Prince Samuel Olaoluwa Akintoye, emphasized the importance of guiding youths along ethical paths.
“This initiative seeks to nurture responsible and patriotic individuals who will positively impact their communities”, he said.