The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, are threats to public safety as they now carry arms, kidnap, and engage in ritual killings.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Sunday, two days after a Yahoo Boy opened fire on its officials, killing one and injuring another in Anambra State.

“The EFCC also wishes to alert the public that the activities of internet fraudsters are becoming patently hazardous to public safety and security. Intelligence has shown that these criminals are carrying arms, involved in kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings, and other deadly acts. The public should not fold its arms or allow itself to be deceived that they are mere ‘Yahoo boys and girls,” the EFCC said.

The anti-graft agency said it would not fold its arms and watch its staff being killed, vowing to henceforth unleash the force of the law against anyone who attacks its officials.

“As for the EFCC, every subsequent attack on any of its officers will be met with the force of the law. The Commission will not fold its arms and allow any of its officers to be killed again in cold blood. As a law enforcement agency of repute, the EFCC is unrelenting in ridding the nation of internet fraud and other acts of corruption,” the anti-graft agency said.

While explaining that its officials were on a well-documented operation when they were attacked in Anambra, the EFCC condemned those celebrating the killing of its staff as inhuman and callous.