The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced the deportation of 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted of cyber terrorism and Ponzi scheme offences.
The deportees, part of a larger group of 192 convicts, will depart Nigeria in three batches between Sunday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 20, 2025.
The individuals were among 759 suspects arrested during a December 2024 raid on a cybercrime syndicate operating in Lagos’ Victoria Island.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully prosecuted the group, securing convictions under Nigeria’s Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act. Charges included identity theft, financial fraud, and training employees in fraudulent practices through Genting International Co. Limited.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the deportations as a significant achievement in Nigeria’s fight against transnational cybercrime.
“These convictions demonstrate our commitment to protecting Nigeria’s financial system and national security,” he stated, emphasising the agency’s alignment with President Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.
The December operation marked one of Nigeria’s largest cybercrime busts, uncovering an extensive network targeting victims through sophisticated online schemes. Authorities have transferred all convicted foreigners to immigration custody for repatriation, with the remaining 150 deportees scheduled for removal in the coming days.
This development underscores Nigeria’s intensified efforts to combat financial crimes and maintain international partnerships in addressing cyber-enabled fraud. The EFCC has pledged to continue investigations to recover illicit proceeds and dismantle similar criminal networks operating in the country.
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