The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted of cyber terrorism, internet fraud and other financial crimes in Lagos.
According to a statement by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the deportation exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS), following the conclusion of legal and corrective processes.
“The last batch of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, were repatriated on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
“This brings to a close the deportation operation that began on August 15, 2025, when the first batch of 42 convicts, composed of Chinese and Filipino nationals, were deported back to their countries. Subsequent groups were deported in phases throughout August and September.
'In total, the 192 convicted included nationals of China, Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Timor-Leste.
“All were sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos after being found guilty of offenses relating to cyber crime, money laundering and Ponzi schemes,” the statement said.
The EFCC disclosed that the mass deportation followed a sting operation conducted on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, during which 759 suspects were arrested.
The Commission's investigation revealed that the culprits were part of a sophisticated cyber syndicate operating under the guise of Genting International Company Limited, a company that was allegedly used to conduct large-scale online fraud, identity theft and Ponzi scheme operations.
The Commission noted that the criminals worked with Nigerian associates and were responsible for training recruits and managing fraudulent digital platforms that targeted victims both locally and internationally.
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According to the EFCC, the entire operation, from arrest and prosecution to conviction and deportation, was executed in accordance with due process and court directives.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service carried out the deportation as directed by the court, bringing this high-profile cybercrime prosecution and repatriation effort to a successful conclusion,” the EFCC said.
It reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against cross-border financial crimes, stressing that the deportation sends a strong message about Nigeria's zero tolerance for cyber-enabled criminal activities.
