Nigeria has expelled 51 foreign nationals linked to cybercrime operations, including 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, following their conviction for cyberterrorism and online fraud. The move, reported by Reuters on August 21, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on international cybercrime networks.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the network relied on advanced phishing techniques to target victims across the USA, Canada, Mexico and several European countries.
Investigators revealed that the criminals enlisted the help of Nigerian accomplices to execute their schemes, creating a complex web of operations that spanned continents.
Authorities stated that this mass deportation forms part of a broader campaign to dismantle foreign cybercrime syndicates operating within Nigeria’s borders.
In recent weeks alone, 102 foreign nationals have been expelled for similar offences, reflecting the government’s heightened resolve to shield citizens and international institutions from the rising threat of online fraud.
“The scale and sophistication of these networks demand decisive action,” an EFCC spokesperson said, underlining the agency’s continued collaboration with international partners to track, arrest and prosecute cybercriminals.
The deportation of such a large group underscores both the global reach of cybercrime and Nigeria’s determination to confront it. With cyber fraud cases increasingly affecting global trade, financial institutions and ordinary citizens, the authorities emphasised that they will not hesitate to pursue further measures to secure the country’s digital space.
This latest operation is expected to serve as a warning to other networks attempting to exploit Nigeria as a base for cyber fraud, signalling a tougher stance on cybercrime enforcement in the region.
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