NIGERIA DEPORTS 60 CHINESE, 39 FILIPINO NATIONALS OVER CYBERCRIME

Nigeria has deported 102 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese and 39 Filipinos, after they were convicted of involvement in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the deportations, saying the individuals were part of a transnational syndicate that specialized in crypto-related romance scams and large-scale internet fraud.
According to the EFCC, the deportees were among 792 suspects arrested in December 2024 during a raid on a cybercrime hub in Victoria Island, Lagos. Nearly 200 foreign nationals were detained in that operation, which authorities described as one of the largest crackdowns on internet fraud in the country’s history.
The commission explained that while 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian had initially been deported, this week’s repatriations included 39 Filipinos, 10 more Chinese citizens, and two Kazakhstanis.
EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede said the move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to combating cybercrime and safeguarding its digital and financial systems. He added that the crackdown was carried out in collaboration with international partners.
The deportations come as Nigeria intensifies its fight against online scams that have damaged the country’s global reputation and led to closer scrutiny of digital financial transactions.