The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has deported 51 more foreign nationals convicted for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The latest group includes 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, bringing the total number of convicted foreigners repatriated to 102 since the exercise began on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The deportees were part of 192 foreign nationals arrested by the EFCC during a major sting operation in Lagos. The operation targeted one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates operating in Nigeria, following actionable intelligence on its activities.
The EFCC confirmed that further deportations are scheduled in the coming days.
Earlier, 42 convicted Chinese and Philippine nationals were deported last Sunday, following their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
These individuals were among 759 persons arrested on December 10, 2024, in a large-scale raid at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The syndicate was reportedly running a massive cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme before being dismantled in a coordinated operation.
According to the EFCC, 192 foreigners—primarily Chinese and Philippine nationals—have been convicted for their roles in the scam. Charges against them included online identity fraud, training local recruits in fraudulent practices under the name Genting International Co. Limited, and other offences under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The EFCC stated that the convictions underscore the severity of the crimes, which posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s cybersecurity and financial stability.
Following plea bargain agreements, the Federal High Court ordered the convicts to be deported upon completion of their jail terms.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede hailed the convictions and ongoing deportations as a major step in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to cleansing Nigeria’s digital space and reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance against foreign-led financial crimes,” Olukoyede said.
