The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters during a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos State.

The commission said 19 of the suspects were indicted following preliminary investigations, while the remaining two had been released.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said its operatives from the Lagos Directorate 1 carried out the operation at about 5am on Monday, October 26, 2026.

It said the suspects allegedly obtained money from unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers by impersonating other individuals.

The operation also led to the recovery of five exotic cars.

According to the commission, the arrests followed surveillance and reconnaissance of the suspects’ activities before the operation.

The EFCC added that a young woman who allegedly attempted to alert the suspects by making telephone calls was held during the operation, while her phone was confiscated.

It said the phone was subsequently returned to her at the conclusion of the operation.

The commission stated that the 19 indicted suspects would be arraigned in court immediately.

Defending the operation amid concerns surrounding its conduct, the EFCC maintained that its operatives acted professionally and that there was no harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest.

It urged Nigerians to support its campaign against economic and financial crimes, while condemning activities capable of damaging the country’s reputation.

The commission also said it remained open to constructive engagement but warned against attempts to undermine its mandate through what it described as blackmail and alarmism.