EFCC, NIS, NCoS complete deportation of 192 foreign cybercrime convicts in Lagos

Nigeria Concludes Mass Deportation of 192 Foreign Cybercrime Convicts

In a sweeping and coordinated crackdown on transnational cybercrime, Nigerian authorities have successfully completed the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and financial crimes.

The operation, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), marks the final chapter in one of the country’s most extensive anti-cybercrime efforts to date.

The deportation exercise commenced on August 15, 2025, and culminated with the removal of the last batch of 51 convicts on October 16, 2025. This final group included 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian.

The convicts were among 759 suspects apprehended during a major sting operation conducted on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street in Victoria Island, Lagos. Intelligence-led investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the guise of Genting International Co. Limited.

According to EFCC sources, the syndicate orchestrated large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi operations that targeted both Nigerian and international victims. The foreign operatives were found to have trained local recruits and managed digital platforms designed to defraud unsuspecting investors. Their activities extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, implicating a web of financial deception that spanned multiple countries.

Following their arrest, the Federal High Court in Lagos convicted the individuals on charges including cybercrime, money laundering, and fraudulent investment schemes. In accordance with Nigerian immigration laws, the court ordered their deportation after sentencing. The first group of 42 convicts, primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals, was deported in mid-August, with subsequent batches flown out over the following weeks.

The operation was a testament to inter-agency collaboration, with the EFCC spearheading the effort and receiving critical support from the NIS and NCoS. The deported individuals hailed from a diverse range of countries including China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. Their removal underscores Nigeria’s commitment to combating cybercrime and restoring confidence in its digital and financial ecosystems.

This landmark deportation not only reflects Nigeria’s resolve to uphold the rule of law but also sends a strong message to international cybercriminal networks that the country will not serve as a safe haven for digital fraud.

The EFCC has reiterated its call for continued cooperation with media and civil society organizations to strengthen the fight against corruption and cybercrime.