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Kebbi State declares crackdown on 'Yan Vocal' cybercrime syndicate
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Kebbi State Government has announced a major crackdown on an emerging cybercrime syndicate known as "Yan Vocal," vowing to dismantle the network and prosecute those responsible for online fraud, blackmail, and cyber extortion. According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, credible intelligence indicates the syndicate, largely comprising young people aged 19 to 24, operates from parts of Argungu Local Government Area. They specialize in hacking social media accounts, creating fake online identities, and using threats and blackmail to extort money from unsuspecting victims. The group allegedly targets 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 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 neighboring countries such as Niger, Ghana, and the Republic of Benin. Preliminary investigations have identified 19 suspected members, and security agencies have uncovered their operational methods, meeting points, and channels for receiving illicit proceeds through digital financial platforms. The government urged residents to be vigilant while using social media, protect personal information, avoid suspicious online intera
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission FCCPC has refuted a report claiming it approved 48 additional digital loan applications, which would have increased the number of licensed digital lenders in Nigeria to 505. In a statement on its official X handle, the commission labeled the publication as "false, misleading and" not reflective of its actions. The FCCPC stated it has not granted any new approvals or licenses for digital lenders, emphasizing its compliance with an ex parte order from the Federal High Court. This order restrains the implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, pending further proceedings. The commission urged the public, industry stakeholders, and media to disregard the erroneous publication and rely solely on its official communication channels. This is not the first instance of the FCCPC debunking such reports; a previous disclaimer in early June addressed allegations that President Bola Tinubu endorsed FCCPC proposals and approved nine Nigerian fintech firms, which the commission also denied, reiterating that the relevant regulatory framework remained suspended due to an interim injunction granted by the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 15, 2026.
Troops from Operation Whirl Stroke, supported by the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, thwarted a terrorist attack at the Tor Donga Yam Market in Benue State. The operation, detailed in a statement by Acting Media Information Officer Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, followed a distress call during routine patrols. During the engagement, two suspected terrorists, identified as Dantaraba and Golozo, were neutralized. Security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, a damaged pistol, a pistol magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, an ATM card, a Moniepoint ATM card, and other items. The military emphasized that the successful intervention ensured the safety of traders and residents, allowing market activities to continue uninterrupted. Force Commander Maj. Gen. Moses Gara commended the troops' professionalism and swift response, highlighting that their actions prevented significant civilian casualties and economic disruption. He also praised the Benue State Civil Protection Guard for their cooperation and urged the public to continue providing timely information, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, expressed shock and outrage over the killing of Alhaji Ardo Risku, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and his associate. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume described the act as "reprehensible, unacceptable and a direct assault on the peace, reconciliation and mutual trust" in Benue State. He noted that the incident occurred despite recent improvements in security and peaceful coexistence in the state, warning against allowing "enemies of peace" to reverse these gains. Akume, a former Governor of Benue State, emphasized his consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence and unity, stating that sustainable development requires peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. He urged communities to reject attempts by criminals to incite discord and reprisals, stressing that no one should take the law into their own hands. The SGF extended condolences to the victims' families and MACBAN leadership. He called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals involved in the crime, drawing a parallel to the apprehension of suspects in the Yelwata killings. Akume reiterated President Bola Tinubu's commitment to combating insecurity and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, urging Benue residents