Kebbi Govt vows to dismantle ‘Yan Vocal’ cybercrime syndicate

The Kebbi State Government has launched a crackdown on an emerging cybercrime syndicate known as ‘Yan Vocal’, vowing to dismantle the network and prosecute those involved in online fraud, blackmail and cyber extortion.

The government disclosed this in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, describing the activities of the group as a growing threat to public safety and national security.

According to the statement, intelligence reports indicate that the syndicate, made up largely of young people between the ages of 19 and 24, operates from parts of Argungu Local Government Area and specialises in hacking social media accounts, creating fake online identities and extorting victims through threats and blackmail.

The government alleged that members of the group target users of Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and other social media platforms by manipulating video calls, photographs and explicit content to coerce victims into making financial payments.

It added that the syndicate allegedly focuses on high-profile individuals, including political office holders, traditional and religious leaders, business owners and other prominent personalities in Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as Niger, Ghana and the Republic of Benin.

The statement revealed that preliminary investigations had identified 19 suspected members of the group, while security agencies had uncovered some of 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 said.

The government 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 security agencies.