The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has repatriated another batch of 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
Among those deported are 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, making this the latest round of deportations in an ongoing clampdown on foreign cybercrime operators in Nigeria. With this development, the total number of convicted foreigners sent back to their countries now stands at 102 since the exercise began on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The deported individuals were part of the 192 foreign nationals apprehended during a sting operation in Lagos after intelligence reports exposed the activities of one of the largest cybercrime syndicates run by foreigners within Nigeria.
Authorities confirmed that additional deportations are still scheduled in the coming days.
Just last Sunday, 42 foreign nationals—comprising Chinese and Philippine citizens—were sent home after being convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The 192 convicted individuals were among a much larger group of 759 persons arrested during a major EFCC raid on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate had operated an extensive cyber fraud network and Ponzi scheme before security operatives dismantled the operation.
According to the EFCC, which prosecuted the case, all 192 foreigners, mainly Chinese and Philippine nationals, were convicted for their involvement in the scam.
The charges against them included impersonation to defraud unsuspecting victims, training staff of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent activities, and other offences under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The anti-graft agency emphasized that the offences represented severe threats to Nigeria’s security and economic stability, as the network’s fraudulent practices targeted both individuals and institutions.
The convicts were sentenced under plea bargain arrangements, with the courts ordering their deportation after the completion of their prison terms.
Reacting to the development, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the convictions and deportations as a significant step in Nigeria’s determination to fight financial crimes and dismantle cybercriminal networks.
What you should know
The EFCC, working with the Nigeria Immigration Service, is intensifying efforts to rid the country of foreign-led cybercrime rings.
The 51 recent deportees—50 Chinese and one Tunisian—were part of 192 convicted foreigners arrested in Lagos in December 2024 during a massive raid that netted over 700 suspects. Their crimes included online impersonation, fraud training, and running Ponzi schemes that endangered Nigeria’s financial system.
Ordered deported after serving their prison sentences, their removal highlights Nigeria’s renewed commitment to safeguarding its economy and strengthening the fight against cybercrime.
