Kebbi declares war on’Yan vocal’ cybercrime syndicate

The Kebbi State Government has declared a major crackdown on an emerging cybercrime syndicate known as “Yan Vocal,” vowing to dismantle the network and prosecute those responsible for a growing wave of online fraud, blackmail and cyber extortion targeting victims within and outside Nigeria.

The government said credible intelligence indicated that the syndicate, largely made up of young people aged between 19 and 24, operates from parts of Argungu Local Government Area and specialises in hacking social media accounts, creating fake online identities, and using threats and blackmail to extort money from unsuspecting victims.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, the government described the activities of the group as a growing threat to public safety and national security.

“The Kebbi State Government has expressed grave concern over the activities of an emerging cybercrime syndicate popularly known as ‘Yan Vocal’ and has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting residents from all forms of cyber-enabled crimes,” the statement partly read.

According to the government, the suspects allegedly target users of Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and other social media platforms by sending explicit content or manipulating video calls and photographs before blackmailing victims into making financial payments.

The statement added that the syndicate deliberately targets high-profile individuals, including political office holders, traditional and religious leaders, business owners and other prominent personalities across Nigeria, as well as in neighbouring countries such as Niger, Ghana and the Republic of Benin.

It disclosed that preliminary investigations had identified 19 suspected members of the group, while security agencies had uncovered their operational methods, meeting points and channels used to receive illicit proceeds through digital financial platforms.

“The Kebbi State Government wishes to assure the public that security agencies are actively working to dismantle the criminal network and bring all those involved to justice. No effort will be spared in ensuring that cybercriminals find no safe haven anywhere within the state,” the statement added.

The government urged residents to be vigilant while using social media by protecting their personal information, avoiding suspicious online interactions, and promptly reporting cases of cyber extortion or online blackmail to security agencies.

Describing cybercrime as “not a victimless offence,” the government noted that, beyond financial losses, it causes emotional and psychological trauma, damages reputations, undermines public confidence, and poses an increasing threat to national security.

Accordingly, it said it would strengthen collaboration with security agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications providers and community stakeholders, while intensifying public enlightenment campaigns aimed at preventing cybercrime and promoting responsible digital behaviour.

“The Government reiterates its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that Kebbi State remains a safe and secure environment for residents, businesses and legitimate digital activities,” the statement said.

The latest warning comes amid growing concern over the increasing sophistication of cyber-enabled crimes in Nigeria, particularly those involving social media impersonation, account hacking and sextortion.

Security agencies have repeatedly cautioned that criminal groups are exploiting digital platforms to target both ordinary citizens and prominent public figures, often using fake identities and manipulated multimedia content to extort money from victims.

In Kebbi State, the government’s latest action signals a broader effort to complement conventional security operations against banditry and other violent crimes with measures aimed at tackling emerging cyber threats that are increasingly affecting residents and public institutions.