The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about a surge in criminal activities by individuals impersonating its officers and carrying out fake sting operations across major cities.

In a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, its head of media and Publicity on Tuesday, the Commission said intelligence reports revealed that fraudsters are deploying “ingenious but fraudulent means” to tarnish its image while exploiting unsuspecting members of the public.

According to the EFCC, one group of impostors operates around eateries and nightlife spots, where they ambush young people, falsely accuse them of internet fraud, and dispossess them of valuables.

The suspects, according to the statement reportedly wear fake EFCC uniforms and transport victims to locations designed to resemble official Commission offices.

The anti-graft agency also disclosed the activities of another gang targeting motorists. These criminals allegedly stop drivers based on their number plates, brandish weapons, and extort money through fabricated allegations.

The Commission also raised concerns over online impersonators and content creators staging fake EFCC operations, including dramatized raids involving forced entry and property damage.

It warned that such misleading portrayals could deceive the public and wrongly implicate the agency.

The EFCC urged Nigerians to remain cautious and critically assess claims or operations purportedly linked to the Commission.

It emphasized that it operates under established standard procedures and maintains official channels for lodging complaints against its personnel.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating economic and financial crimes, the commission cautioned the public against allowing the actions of impersonators and “blackmailers” to undermine confidence in its work.