Kebbi Govt vows to dismantle ‘Yan Vocal’ cybercrime syndicate
Kebbi State Government Targets Cybercrime Syndicate
The Kebbi State Government has launched an initiative aimed at dismantling a cybercrime syndicate known as “Yan Vocal,” which is involved in online fraud, blackmail, and cyber extortion.
In a statement released by Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris, officials described the activities of the group as a rising threat to public safety and national security.
Intelligence reports indicate that the syndicate is primarily composed of young individuals aged 19 to 24, operating mainly from the Argungu Local Government Area. The group specializes in hacking social media accounts, creating fraudulent online identities, and extorting victims through threats and blackmail.
Authorities allege that members of the syndicate target users of platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok, coercing victims into making financial payments by manipulating video calls, photographs, and explicit content.
The statement also noted that the syndicate appears to focus on high-profile individuals, including political leaders, traditional and religious figures, business owners, and prominent personalities from Nigeria and neighboring countries, including Niger, Ghana, and Benin.
Preliminary investigations have identified 19 suspected members of the group. Security agencies have also discovered some of their operational methods, meeting points, and channels used for receiving illicit proceeds via digital financial platforms.
“The Kebbi State Government assures the public that security agencies are actively working to dismantle this criminal network and bring all those involved to justice,” the statement emphasized.
Officials urged residents to remain vigilant online by safeguarding personal information, avoiding suspicious interactions on social media, and reporting cases of cyber extortion or online blackmail to authorities.
