Operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday raided Bureau De Change operators in Benin City, Edo State, after previous failed attempts few days ago.
It was gathered that armed EFCC operatives arrested an unspecified foreign currencies dealers across at Bureu De Change outlets in Erie street, New Benin market and the King square by Lagos Street junction in Oredo Local government Area of the State.
Some foreign currencies dealers near a popular transport company at the King square took to their heels on sighting armed EFCC operatives, thereby causing pandemonium.
TheNewspad reports traffic in the area convulsed for several hours during the mop-up of foreign currencies exercise by operations.
Traders and pedestrians watched with glee, amid condemnation over alleged harassment of Bureau De Change operators whom they said should not be blamed for the economic hardship in Nigeria.
It was learnt that EFCC botched operation that was carried out three days ago at New Benin market by Upper Mission juncture, almost led to a clash between alleged internet fraudsters popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys’.
Spokesman of the EFCC, Benin Zonal Command, Williams Oseghale could not be reached for comments.
Checks by our Correspondent at about 3p.m, indicates that Bureau De Change operators have returned to their businesses, with ‘extreme vigilance’.
EFCC had in a similar manner raided Bureau De Change operators in some States, including FCT, Ibadan and Enugu, raising the spectre of apprehension.
Recall that Nigerian government ordered clampdown on foreign currencies borders in a desperate bid to stabilise forex and save the Naira, which fell to N1,900/1$ on Wednesday February 21, 224, from sliding further.
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