The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has repatriated 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, marking the second phase of a continuing deportation exercise.
The deportees, comprising 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, were flown out of the country on Thursday from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
With this latest action, the total number of convicted foreign nationals expelled now stands at 102, following an earlier batch of 51 deported on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The crackdown stems from a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC in Lagos, where 192 foreign nationals were arrested after actionable intelligence revealed the presence of one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates operating within Nigeria.
Investigations showed that the syndicate had been using Nigeria as a hub for sophisticated cyberattacks, internet fraud, and digital scams targeting individuals and businesses worldwide.
Following their arraignment in Nigerian courts, many of the defendants entered into plea bargain agreements with the EFCC. They were subsequently sentenced to one year imprisonment each, with orders for the forfeiture of properties, electronic devices, and digital assets recovered during the raids.
Judges also directed the Comptroller General of Immigration to ensure that all convicted persons were repatriated to their countries of origin within seven days after serving their custodial sentences.
In compliance with the court’s directive, the EFCC and NIS carried out the first repatriation on August 15, during which 51 foreign nationals were deported. Thursday’s removal of another 51 convicts represents the second batch, with more deportations expected in the coming days.
The EFCC said the exercise reflects Nigeria’s determination to deny international cybercriminals safe refuge.
“The successful conviction and repatriation of these individuals send a clear message: Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for cybercriminals,” the commission declared.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that additional batches will be repatriated as the exercise continues, noting that the Commission remains committed to dismantling transnational crime networks threatening Nigeria’s economy and national security.
EFCC maintained that the operation not only safeguards the country’s digital space and financial systems but also strengthens its reputation as a nation unwilling to tolerate cybercrime syndicates.
