Nigeria Deports 51 Foreign Cybercriminals in Ongoing Crackdown

The Nigerian federal government has repatriated 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime offenses, bringing the total number of deportees to 102 since the operation commenced on August 15, 2025 [1]. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), working in coordination with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has spearheaded the repatriation as part of an intensified campaign against cybercrime. The latest group includes 50 Chinese nationals and one individual from Tunisia, who were among 192 foreign suspects arrested during a coordinated sting operation in Lagos [2]. These individuals were charged with cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and other digital crimes, including high-profile romance scams and unauthorized access to computer systems.

The operation underscores Nigeria’s determination to protect its digital infrastructure and national security from exploitation. The EFCC has emphasized that the successful conviction and repatriation of these individuals sends a clear message: Nigeria will not allow its digital landscape to be used as a hub for illicit activity [4]. The agency has stated that the deportation of these convicts is part of an ongoing process and that more foreign nationals are expected to be repatriated in the coming days as legal proceedings continue.

In another significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja recently convicted 21 foreign nationals for cybercrime, money laundering, and acts that pose a threat to national security. Each was fined N1 million and found to have violated the Immigration Act of 2015 by overstaying their permits. The group includes nationals from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand [6]. The court’s decision reinforces Nigeria’s legal stance against cybercriminals who exploit the country’s digital ecosystem for profit and disruption.

To complement enforcement and judicial efforts, the Nigerian government launched the Cybercrime Response Academy in July 2025, a rehabilitation initiative led by the EFCC. The program aims to reform local cybercriminals, often referred to as “Yahoo Boys,” by providing digital skills training and stipends to redirect their talents to legitimate sectors, including cybersecurity and software development [7]. The initiative is expected to initially train 500 participants, with plans to scale up to 2,500, and seeks to harness the technical abilities of former convicts for national benefit.

Nigeria’s multi-pronged strategy—combining repatriation of foreign offenders, legal prosecution, and domestic rehabilitation—reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the evolving threat of cybercrime. The government’s consistent enforcement actions, supported by public messaging and institutional reforms, signal a long-term commitment to reclaiming digital space and reinforcing national security. As the number of deportations and convictions continues to rise, the message becomes increasingly clear: Nigeria is no longer a passive host for cybercriminal networks but an active participant in their dismantling [8].