Major Cybercrime Crackdown: Nigeria Deports 50 Chinese Nationals

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:35:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission announces a significant deportation of foreign nationals involved in cybercrime, highlighting the ongoing battle against internet fraud.

In a recent operation, Nigeria's EFCC deported 50 Chinese nationals among 192 arrested for cyberterrorism and internet fraud, marking a crucial step in combating one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates in the country, as authorities continue to tackle rising fraud cases linked to unemployment and quick wealth pursuits.

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ramped up its efforts against cybercrime, recently deporting 50 Chinese nationals as part of a larger crackdown on foreign-led internet fraud. This operation, conducted in Lagos last week, resulted in the arrest of 192 individuals, revealing a widespread network attributed to one of the "largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates" the nation has seen.

Following their conviction for "cyberterrorism and internet fraud," these deportations have contributed to a total of 102 repatriated foreign nationals in the ongoing crackdown. The EFCC highlighted the prevalence of online scams in Nigeria, which has become notorious for its high rates of internet fraud—particularly romance scams that have risen significantly in recent years.

The operation, known as "Eagle Flush," was executed in response to actionable intelligence gathered about the syndicate's activities. Notably, 148 of the 192 individuals apprehended were Chinese nationals, marking a concentrated effort to dismantle this organized crime network. Prior initiatives have targeted similar groups, including a substantial raid in December that led to nearly 800 arrests tied to romance and cryptocurrency scams.

Authorities link the persistent rise in cybercrime to underlying socio-economic issues, including soaring unemployment rates and a cultural inclination towards quick financial gains. The recruitment of young Nigerians, often referred to as "Yahoo Boys," into scam operations has fostered an alarming growth in cyber-related offenses.

Social media firms have also taken action against the surge in scams originating from Nigeria, with Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, removing thousands of accounts that were involved in sextortion and online fraud. They reported eliminating 5,700 Facebook groups that sought to disseminate tips on executing scams.

With future deportations on the horizon as part of the EFCC's continued efforts to eradicate such syndicates, the agency remains vigilant in its fight against cybercrime—a challenge that not only impacts Nigeria's reputation but also poses a threat to potential victims across the globe.