Nigeria Deports 192 Foreign Nationals Convicted of Cyber-Crime in Lagos

In a significant move against foreign-led cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), working jointly with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has finalised the deportation of 192 foreign nationals in Lagos State. These individuals were convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and associated financial crimes.

The deportation campaign commenced on 15 August 2025 and came to a close on 16 October 2025. The final group to leave comprised 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, marking the conclusion of the operation in the city’s commercial hub.

The collaborative action underscores Nigeria’s growing resolve to crack down on international crime syndicates operating within its borders. The EFCC and its partners emphasised that digital and financial integrity cannot be compromised by groups exploiting the country as a sanctuary.

What happened:

• A large-scale raid in Lagos uncovered a syndicate involving foreign nationals engaged in online fraud, Ponzi schemes and cyber-terrorism activity.
• The first batch of deportees (42 foreign nationals) left Nigeria in mid-August as part of that crackdown.
• By late August/October, the total number of convicted and deported foreign nationals reached 102, including 50 Chinese and one Tunisian.
• Courts in Lagos had sentenced foreign nationals under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other relevant legislation, followed by deportation orders.

Why this matters:
This operation sends a no-tolerance message: foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and online fraud will face swift repatriation. As one external source puts it, “Nigeria has deported 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian … as part of a crackdown on foreign-led cybercrime networks.”

It also reflects how cybercrime has become transnational, with foreign actors leveraging Nigerian territory, local accomplices, and international payment systems to prey on victims across the globe. The move complements other initiatives against organised immigration and document fraud.

What happens next:
Authorities have indicated that further deportation rounds are expected as more cases are concluded in court. In the meantime, tighter collaboration between law-enforcement, immigration agencies and international partners will continue to be a key strategy.

For further context on Nigeria’s broader cyber-fraud challenge and how international forces are involved, you might also read about the global implications of scam-centres operating in West Africa.