Rita Odafe
Tragic Incident Involving EFCC Operative in Anambra
An operative from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Salisu, tragically lost his life due to an attack by suspected internet fraudsters, referred to as “Yahoo boys,” in the Awka region of Anambra State. His body has been transported to Sokoto State for burial, in accordance with Islamic customs.
Reports from SaharaReporters indicate that Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, visited Awka to facilitate the arrangements for transporting Salisu’s remains to Sokoto.
A reputable source disclosed to SaharaReporters that when EFCC operatives attempted to arrest a group of suspected fraudsters, they faced interference from local police who alleged that the EFCC did not have permission to conduct operations in their area.
The confrontation that led to Salisu’s death occurred around 4 am on Friday. Following the incident, plans were made to fly the operative’s body to Sokoto for burial.
As reported, the officers were conducting an operation aimed at apprehending suspected cybercriminals when they were ambushed Friday morning. A team from the EFCC Enugu Zonal command was dispatched to Awka for this mission.
A source noted, “They arrived early and successfully raided a suspect’s residence, making several arrests and seizing items such as credit cards and luxury vehicles.”
Afterward, they intended to visit another site but found themselves under-resourced and relocated to a smaller venue. Upon reaching the new location, they instructed the gatemen to direct them to the suspect’s apartment.
However, the suspect refused to comply, fearing they might be intruders. When the EFCC operatives identified themselves, the suspect still refused to open the door.
A source clarified, “The team then forcibly entered the apartment, leading to the suspect opening fire on Salisu, the leading operative.” Salisu was critically wounded, while another operative suffered an injury to his hand. They rushed him to the General Hospital in Awka, but were met with a lack of medical personnel, with only two nurses available who suggested they seek private medical care.
Eventually, they arrived at Amaco Hospital, where the doctor declared Salisu dead but accepted the other injured operative, stating that treatment was not possible without a blood transfusion.
It was noted that none of the operatives involved in the operation were equipped with bulletproof vests, only wearing their branded jackets.
The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that an investigation is currently in progress. “Investigations into this unfortunate event are ongoing. The suspect has been detained, and the firearm has been seized,” stated Ikenga.
