An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been shot dead and another fatally injured after suspected Internet fraudsters (Yahoo Boys) opened fire on the anti-graft agency officers in the Onitsha area of Anambra State.
News Band understand that the officers, who had traveled from their Enugu zonal headquarters, were on a mission to arrest a group of suspected cyber rats when they were unfortunately ambushed by the criminal elements.
The attack which occurred on Friday morning, left one officer dead on the spot and another critically injured.
A male suspect, according to reports, was arrested for the murder, but his identity remains undisclosed.
The deceased said to be an assistant superintendent, had recently completed a promotional examination.
Though, his identity is being withheld pending official notification of his family.
When contacted, the spokesman of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development.
He said investigation has commenced.
“Investigation into the sad incident is ongoing. The suspect is in custody while the arm has been recovered
“Further details shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga added.
Meanwhile, the development has raised concerns among anti-graft personnel, who revealed that the agency’s life insurance scheme has been dormant for years.
“We no longer have life insurance,” an officer who doesn’t want to be quoted told The Gazette. “The last time families of deceased officers received compensation was during Farida Waziri’s tenure.”
Another officer lamented, “The families of today’s victim will receive nothing. Can we say he died for nothing?”
However, the attack highlights the escalating risks anti-graft operatives face as they combat increasingly armed and violent cybercriminals.