The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the successful deportation of the final 51 foreign nationals convicted for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos, bringing the total number of repatriated convicts to 192.
The large-scale deportation operation was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). It marks the conclusion of one of Nigeria’s biggest crackdowns on transnational cybercrime networks.
Massive Cybercrime Syndicate Uncovered in Lagos
The deportations stemmed from a sting operation carried out on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where 759 suspects were apprehended following actionable intelligence received by the EFCC. The raid revealed one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime and Ponzi scheme syndicates operating within Nigeria.
After extensive investigations, 192 foreign nationals were prosecuted and convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. The court also ordered their deportation following completion of their prison sentences.
Final Deportation Concludes in October 2025
The deportation process began on August 15, 2025, with the first batch of 42 convicts, primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals, repatriated via multiple airlines. The final batch, consisting of 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, was airlifted on October 16, 2025, officially concluding the operation.
Other deportees include individuals from Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Timor-Leste, and Tunisia, all of whom were involved in various cyber-enabled financial crimes.
EFCC: Nigeria Will Not Be a Haven for Cybercriminals
In an official statement, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the deportation as a milestone and a “strong statement of Nigeria’s resolve to rid its cyberspace of transnational criminal networks.”
“This milestone underscores our commitment to protecting Nigeria’s digital and financial ecosystem. The EFCC, under my leadership, will continue to act swiftly on intelligence, prosecute offenders, and recover proceeds of crime in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive,” Olukoyede said.
The EFCC Chairman also commended the NIS and NCoS for their seamless inter-agency cooperation, which ensured safe custody, efficient prosecution, and orderly repatriation of all convicted individuals.
Digital Evidence and Criminal Operations Uncovered
According to EFCC investigations, the foreign-led cybercrime syndicate operated under the cover of a front company named Genting International Co. Limited. The syndicate engaged in a wide range of illegal activities, including:
- Identity theft
- Online romance scams
- Ponzi investment schemes
- Cybercrime training programs targeting Nigerian youths
The EFCC stated that digital devices and servers recovered during the December 2024 raid served as critical evidence during prosecution, and emphasized that the group’s activities posed a serious threat to national security and financial stability.
With the final batch now deported, the EFCC says it remains vigilant and committed to ensuring that Nigeria does not become a safe haven for cybercriminals, whether local or foreign.
