Market News

Nigeria has deported 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, the country’s anti-graft agency said Thursday, as authorities intensify a clampdown on foreign-led cybercrime networks.

The deportations bring the total number of foreigners expelled since August 15 to 102, following a joint operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the immigration service, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said in a statement.

Oyewale said the deportees were among 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a coordinated sting, which authorities described as one of Nigeria’s largest cybercrime syndicates.

The EFCC has been ramping up enforcement against internet fraud rings. In a separate operation last year, almost 800 people were arrested in a Lagos building believed to house a major network of scammers who used romance schemes to trick victims into fake cryptocurrency investments.

The EFCC explained that the charges highlighted serious crimes aimed at undermining Nigeria’s security and financial integrity through cybercrime and fraudulent activities.

Court orders deportation

Following plea bargain agreements, the courts ordered the deportation of the convicts to their home countries after serving their prison terms.

Authorities added that more deportations are expected in the coming days as the crackdown continues.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede hailed the convictions and deportations as a milestone in Nigeria’s battle against cybercrime and financial fraud.