EFCC and NIS Deport 51 Foreign Nationals Convicted of Cybercrime: Nigeria Steps Up Digital Security

EFCC, NIS deport 51 foreigners convicted of cybercrime in Lagos crackdown

Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime took another decisive turn as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), working hand in hand with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), announced the deportation of 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime-related offenses. According to the EFCC, the deported group consists of 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian citizen, all found guilty of operating within a foreign-led cybercrime network that had set up operations in Nigeria. This latest development brings the number of convicted foreign nationals repatriated since August 15, 2025, to 102. For Nigerians weary of online scams, financial fraud, and digital exploitation, the move represents one of the strongest signals yet that the government is committed to cleansing the country’s digital space of criminal networks.

The EFCC disclosed that the deportations were the outcome of a large-scale sting operation carried out in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. The operation, which was built on actionable intelligence, specifically targeted what authorities described as a “foreign-led cybercrime network.” In total, 192 foreign nationals were apprehended during the raid. Investigations revealed that these individuals had established sophisticated cybercrime hubs, using technology, fake identities, and insider connections to exploit Nigeria’s digital and financial systems. While 51 have already been deported following their conviction, the EFCC confirmed that additional deportations are planned in the coming days as the operation unfolds.

In a statement released in Abuja, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, explained that the coordinated operation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fighting cybercrime, both domestic and international.

“The deportations are part of ongoing efforts to sanitize Nigeria’s digital environment. Our collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service has been instrumental in ensuring that these convicted individuals face justice in line with Nigerian law and are repatriated to their countries of origin,” Oyewale stated.

The EFCC emphasized that cybercrime is no longer a local issue but a global security threat, and Nigeria cannot afford to become a safe haven for transnational cybercriminals.

Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing forms of crime in the world, costing economies billions of dollars annually. In Nigeria, the menace has reached alarming levels, with both locals and foreign nationals implicated.
Some of the most common cybercrime activities include:

• Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams targeting companies.
• Phishing attacks designed to steal banking details.
• Fake investment platforms that defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
• Online romance scams where victims are tricked into sending money.
• Cryptocurrency frauds and digital Ponzi schemes.

According to international reports, Nigeria consistently ranks among the countries with the highest incidents of cyber-enabled fraud. The EFCC’s move to deport foreign nationals convicted of such crimes sends a strong signal that the era of impunity is ending.
The fact that 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian were involved highlights the international dimension of cybercrime in Nigeria. Over the years, Nigerian authorities have arrested foreigners operating illegal mining, smuggling, and now cybercrime syndicates within the country. Analysts say such cases show that while local cybercrime groups like “Yahoo Boys” have attracted global attention, foreign actors are also deeply involved in exploiting Nigeria’s vulnerabilities.
For many Nigerians, this revelation raises important questions:

• How did these foreign nationals gain access to Nigeria?
• Who provided them with cover or connections within the country?
• How long had they been operating undetected before intelligence agencies caught up with them?

One of the most significant aspects of this crackdown is the joint effort between the EFCC and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The EFCC brings its expertise in investigating financial crimes, while the NIS plays a critical role in identifying, tracking, and repatriating foreign offenders. Their collaboration represents a more holistic approach to cybercrime, recognizing that financial crimes often involve cross-border elements. The NIS confirmed that deported individuals have been handed over to relevant authorities in their home countries, ensuring that they are monitored upon return.
On social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, Nigerians have reacted strongly to the news.
Some expressed relief that the government is taking action, especially against foreign nationals often shielded by diplomatic loopholes.

Others were skeptical, questioning whether all convicted cybercriminals would actually face consequences or whether some might eventually find their way back into Nigeria.

A few Nigerians also wondered whether local collaborators and sponsors of these networks within Nigeria will also be brought to book.

Nigeria’s economy suffers billions of naira in losses annually due to cybercrime. Businesses lose revenue, individuals lose savings, and the government loses credibility.
According to reports, Nigeria is among the top 10 countries most targeted by cybercriminals.
and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable, with many falling victim to fake email and online transaction fraud. The Nigerian banking system has also been repeatedly targeted, with hackers attempting to infiltrate digital platforms.
By deporting foreign convicts, Nigeria hopes to protect its financial systems, rebuild investor confidence, and safeguard the digital environment.

The deportation of Chinese nationals also has diplomatic implications. China is one of Nigeria’s biggest trading partners, with billions of dollars in trade and infrastructure investments. While the deportations may strain relations at a diplomatic level, Nigerian authorities insist that the country’s national security cannot be compromised. The move also signals to the international community that Nigeria is serious about complying with global anti-cybercrime standards.

The EFCC has confirmed that more deportations are coming, as investigations continue. Authorities also revealed that not all 192 arrested individuals were foreigners; some Nigerians are also under investigation and may face prosecution. For the EFCC, this operation is just the beginning of a larger campaign to sanitize Nigeria’s cyberspace.

Observers believe the government must also:

• Strengthen border checks to prevent illegal entry of cybercriminals.
• Improve international intelligence sharing.
• Train Nigerian cybersecurity experts to detect and disrupt future threats.
• Review visa issuance policies to ensure foreign syndicates cannot easily infiltrate the country.

The deportation of 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime is a landmark development in Nigeria’s fight against digital fraud. It shows that the EFCC and NIS are willing to go beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to secure Nigeria’s cyberspace. However, for long-term success, Nigeria must also address the root causes of cybercrime, including unemployment, weak digital laws, and corruption. Without fixing these systemic issues, cybercriminals, both local and foreign, will continue to find ways to exploit the country. For now, Nigerians can take solace in the fact that one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates has been dismantled, and justice is being served.


By PrimeLineInfo