The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two men accused of impersonating anti-graft officials and extorting money from residents, particularly young people, across parts of South-East Nigeria.

The suspects, identified as Haruna Mamuda, a former military personnel, and his driver, Salifu Mustafa, were apprehended following intelligence-led operations by the commission. The EFCC disclosed the arrests in a video released on its official social media platforms on Saturday.

According to the agency, the duo allegedly posed as EFCC operatives, carrying out unauthorized raids, profiling individuals, and demanding money from victims under the guise of investigating fraud-related offences.

The commission said Mamuda allegedly exploited his military background, alongside fake operational gear and forged identification documents, to gain credibility and evade suspicion while carrying out the activities.

Footage released by the agency reportedly showed the suspects confronting and intimidating a group of young men during one of their operations.

The EFCC stated that investigations revealed the alleged scheme had been in operation for an extended period before security operatives tracked down and arrested those involved. Some suspects linked to the activities are already facing prosecution, according to the commission.

The development comes amid increasing concerns over reports of individuals falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers and targeting young Nigerians, particularly those carrying laptops and high-end mobile phones.

In response, the anti-graft agency urged members of the public to remain calm when approached by persons claiming to be EFCC officials and to insist on being taken to an official EFCC command office for any questioning or investigation.

The commission also reiterated that its officers are prohibited from negotiating releases or settlements in hotels, on roadsides or at private locations.

Meanwhile, the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate has commenced an examination of accounts linked to the suspects as part of efforts to determine the scale of the alleged extortion operation.

The agency said Mamuda and Mustafa will be charged in court after the completion of ongoing investigations and profiling procedures.