Nigeria begins mass deportation of 192 foreign nationals, comprising Chinese and Philippine citizens, convicted of cyber-terrorism and Ponzi scheme offences on Sunday.
42 of the convicted cybercriminals were among the first group to be repatriated following a landmark clampdown on cybercrime in Nigeria.
The first batch departed Abuja’s airport at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, with additional groups scheduled to leave on Monday and Tuesday this week, as per Guardian.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), in coordination with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are leading the operation as a total of 192 foreign nationals have been convicted and are reportedly awaiting deportation.
Background on the Deportation
This operation traces back to a large-scale raid on December 10, 2024, conducted by the EFCC and other security agencies at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
That raid resulted in the arrest of 759 suspects, of whom 192 Chinese and Philippine nationals were later convicted for their roles in cybercrime syndicates.
The EFCC’s charges included usage of fake online identities to defraud victims, training staff at Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices, and deploying Ponzi schemes, all violations under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
EFCC Speaks, Chinese Embassy Reacts
As Nigeria begins mass deportation targeting fraudsters, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede described the deportations as a “milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime and financial fraud.” He reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to intensifying investigations, recovering looted funds, and restoring national dignity in line with the agency’s mandate.
The EFCC noted that the charges filed against the convicts included the use of false identities to defraud victims, the training of employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices, and other offences under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
“These offences were calculated to undermine Nigeria’s security and financial integrity.
“Their successful prosecution represents a turning point in the fight against transnational financial crimes,” Olukoyede stated.
Before the Sunday’s deportation, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria had issued a statement reaffirming its “zero-tolerance policy toward telecommunications and online fraud including any cross-border illegal activity.”
It emphasized support for Nigeria’s judicial process and called for enhanced bilateral cooperation in fighting cyber-enabled transnational crimes.
“Guided by the consensus reached between Chinese and Nigerian leaders, we are committed to strengthening law enforcement collaboration with Nigeria to help create a safer cyberspace,” the embassy said.
Wider Context & Reactions
This mass deportation reflects Nigeria’s broader cybersecurity strategy as the country appears to have intensified crackdown on foreign nationals perpetrating transnational fraud and fraudulent schemes, with some masquerading as Nigerians.
For instance, Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that in February 2025, a Lagos court has ordered the forfeiture of digital assets valued at US $222,729.86, traced to Chinese and Filipino nationals accused of cyberterrorism and cryptocurrency fraud.
Also, in February and March, multiple Chinese and Filipino nationals were arraigned in court under charges of identity theft, cyber-terrorism, and conspiracy. All pleaded not guilty and were remanded pending trial.
On the diplomatic front, prior to the deportations, in February 2025, China had entered discussions with Nigerian authorities to ensure due process for detained nationals and pledged stronger cooperation against cybercrime and illegal activities.
According to a Punch report, the embassy was quoted as saying, “Cyber security is a global challenge from which no country can stay aloof. The Chinese government stands firm with Nigeria and other countries in combating cross-border cybercrimes and building a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.
“The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria always urges Chinese citizens in Nigeria to strictly abide by local laws and regulations, and refrain from engaging in any illegal or criminal activities.
“The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria maintains close communications with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, EFCC, NCCC and other relevant departments in the investigation, and will render support when needed.
“The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria will continue to deepen law-enforcement cooperation with Nigeria to step up efforts to combat cross-border illegal and criminal activities,” it stated.
