The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, 27th of February,2026, launched a sensitisation campaign on Nigerian youths, and in particular students at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, on the dangers of cybercrime, cybersecurity threats and their damaging effects on victims and the economy.
The sensitization programme, held on the institution’s campus, was led by Supt. Paul Ikpor, Superintendent of the EFCC and Head of the Public Affairs Department, Enugu Zonal Directorate.
He was accompanied by other officials of the Commission.
Ikpor said the commission was committed to preventing crime through education and awareness rather than relying solely on arrests and prosecution.
“EFCC is your best friend,” he told the students, stressing that ” the agency believed more in the prevention of crime than in the detection of crime”.
He warned students against engaging in internet fraud and encouraged them to use digital platforms positively, creatively, responsibly and beneficially for society.
During the session, Ikpor identified common forms of cybercrime to include business email compromise, advance fee fraud (popularly known as 419), identity theft, investment fraud and romance scams.
He explained that romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake emotional relationships online in order to deceive victims into sending money or sensitive information.
Causes, Effects And Avoidance
The EFCC official also highlighted the effects of cybercrime on victims, which include suicide, depression, job loss, business collapse or severe financial losses.
According to him, factors that push young people into cybercrime include greed, economic hardship, peer pressure, unemployment and lack of proper parental supervision.
He advised students on how to avoid becoming victims of cybercrime, urging them to activate two-step verification on their accounts, avoid using a single password for multiple platforms and remain alert to phishing scams and suspicious links.
Ikpor further encouraged students to explore legitimate digital opportunities such as training in cybersecurity, software development, content creation, IT support and networking as excellent, rewarding and dignifying alternatives to cybercrime.
IMT Urges Students to Choose Legitimate Paths
The Dean of Students’ Affairs of the school, Dr Jude Okenwa, in his remarks, thanked the EFCC for the awareness and sensitization campaign in the institute and advised students to leverage the information and desist from the temptations of unlawful activities.
He wants them to engage in businesses and productive ventures that would contribute positively to Nigeria’s growth and their personal career goals.
He also warned of the dangers of clicking on suspicious online links without due diligence. He urged them to be cautious in their online interactions.
Also speaking, the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Rt.Comr. Emmanuel C Nwankwo, commended the EFCC for its efforts in combating cybercrime and for taking the sensitization campaign to educational institutions like IMT.
He said IMT was committed to producing disciplined and responsible students, adding that the institution was determined to remain free from cybercrime activities.
The event formed part of EFCC’s public enlightenment campaign aimed at reducing cyber-related offences throughout Nigeria, through education and awareness among young people.
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This is a timely and commendable initiative by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Sensitising students of Institute of Management and Technology on cybercrime and cybersecurity will go a long way in shaping responsible digital citizens and protecting the future of the nation’s economy.