50 foreigners deported as Nigeria intensifies fight against cyber-terrorism

In a significant move against cybercrime, the Nigerian Immigration Service deported 50 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud on Thursday. The individuals were sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos, highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling financial crimes.

These deportees are part of a larger group arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2024, which included 192 nationals from China and the Philippines.

Among those deported are 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, bringing the total number of deportations in this ongoing operation to 102 since it began on August 15, 2025.

The EFCC reports that the cybercrime syndicate was involved in large-scale fraud activities, including internet scams and Ponzi schemes.

The charges against the convicted included using false identities to defraud victims and training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices, violating Nigeria’s Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede commented on the operation, stating, “These convictions and deportations mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime and financial fraud.

We remain committed to intensifying our investigations, recovering looted funds, and restoring the integrity of our financial system in line with President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.”

Source: LEADERSHIP