The duo of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), have repatriated 51 more foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The latest deportation, which was carried out on Thursday, involved 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian – all of whom were convicted for offences ranging from cyber-terrorism to large-scale internet fraud.
According to an emailed statement issued on Thursday by the Head, Media & Publicity of EFCC, Dele Oyewale, this brings the total repatriated convicted foreign nationals to 102 in the ongoing exercise that commenced on Friday, August 15, 2025.
“The convicts are among the 192 foreign nationals arrested during a sting operation by the commission in Lagos, following actionable intelligence about the operations of one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates in Nigeria.
“Further deportations are scheduled in the coming days,” the statement read.
According to officials, the syndicates were exploiting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure to launch phishing attacks, run fake investment platforms, and carry out identity theft schemes targeting both Nigerians and international victims.
“This is about safeguarding our cyberspace and sending a strong warning to foreign criminals who think they can exploit our system. Nigeria will not be a safe ground for cyber-terrorists,” a senior EFCC officer said.
The EFCC also noted that more repatriations are expected in the coming days as the trials of the remaining suspects are concluded.
The commission stressed that the operation marks one of the most coordinated inter-agency crackdowns on cross-border financial crime in recent years.
Security analysts say the move is intended not only to protect Nigeria’s digital economy but also to reassure global partners that the country is committed to tackling transnational organised crime.