Chisom Umejiaku
On Sunday, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) deported 42 foreign nationals following their conviction for cybercrime and internet fraud.
The deportees, identified as citizens of China and the Philippines, were among 192 foreigners arrested in December 2024 during a major anti-cybercrime raid in Victoria Island, Lagos. They were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and found guilty of offences linked to Ponzi schemes, identity theft and online fraud.
The first batch of 42 was repatriated on Sunday, while additional groups are scheduled for deportation on Monday and Tuesday.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the exercise as a milestone in the fight against cybercrime, stressing that the commission will continue to pursue investigations, recover stolen funds and uphold the country’s image in line with President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.
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The EFCC has already handed all convicted foreigners to the Immigration Service for deportation, while efforts continue to track other accomplices linked to the syndicate.
Authorities said the crackdown is part of a broader security operation aimed at curbing transnational internet fraud and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to global cybersecurity.