Kebbi Government Promises to Disband the “Yan Vocal” Cybercrime Syndicate

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

The announcement came in a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmed Idris, who described the group’s activities as a growing threat to public safety and national security.

According to the statement, intelligence reports indicate that the syndicate—largely composed of young people aged 19 to 24—operates from parts of Argungu Local Government Area. It specializes in hacking social media accounts, creating fake online identities, and extorting victims through threats and blackmail.

The government alleged that the group targets 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 focuses on high‑profile individuals, including political office holders, traditional and religious leaders, business owners, and other prominent personalities in Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Niger, Ghana, and the Republic of Benin.

The statement revealed that preliminary investigations have identified 19 suspected members of the group, while security agencies have uncovered some of their operational methods, meeting points, and the 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,” the statement said. “No effort will be spared in ensuring that cybercriminals find no safe haven anywhere within the state.”

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.