By Erewunmi Peace

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has completed the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related offences in Lagos State.

According to an official statement from the EFCC, the deportation exercise began on August 15, 2025, and was concluded on October 16, 2025, following the conviction of the individuals by competent Nigerian courts.

The foreign nationals, who include citizens of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste, were deported after serving sentences or fulfilling court-ordered conditions for various financial and cybercrime offences.

“The deportation exercise is part of the EFCC’s renewed collaboration with relevant security agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against transnational organised crimes,” the commission said in its statement.
“The exercise also reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation in combating cyber-related crimes and safeguarding the integrity of its digital space.”

The EFCC noted that the convicts were arrested during a major raid on December 10, 2024, at a building on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where operatives discovered large-scale online fraud operations linked to foreign syndicates.

Officials from the NIS and NCoS worked closely with the EFCC to ensure the safe and lawful deportation of the convicts to their respective countries.

The operation marks one of the largest joint anti-cybercrime exercises conducted by Nigerian authorities, as the government intensifies its crackdown on digital and financial crimes affecting the nation’s reputation.

Security analysts have commended the EFCC for its growing collaboration with international partners but have also urged the agency to sustain follow-up investigations into local accomplices and financial networks aiding foreign cybercrime groups.