Nigeria has completed the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted by the courts for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and other digital financial crimes, according to an official statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

The repatriation exercise was conducted in phases. The first batch of 42 convicts, mainly nationals from China and the Philippines were deported on August 15 2025.  Subsequent batches followed throughout August and September, with the final group of 51 foreign nationals (50 Chinese and one Tunisian) departing Nigeria on October 16 2025. 

These deportees were among 759 suspects originally arrested during a major raid on December 10 2024 at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.  The convictions stemmed from a federal high-court process in Lagos, which found them guilty of offences tied to cyber-terrorism, Ponzi schemes, money-laundering, identity theft and training recruits for online fraud under the cover of a company known as Genting International Co. Limited. 

In the announcement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated the deportation was part of Nigeria’s resolve to ensure the country is not a safe haven for foreign-led cybercrime networks.  The convicts included nationals of China, Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Timor-Leste. They were deported in line with court directives and immigration procedures carried out by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). 

Civil society organisations such as the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have commended the move, noting that it helps challenge the narrative that Nigerians alone drive cybercrime, and underscores the international and trans-national nature of these networks. 

While this marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s crackdown on cyber-crime and cyber-terrorism, officials emphasise that investigations continue, assets recovery efforts remain active, and the broader fight against online financial fraud is ongoing.