Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has deported over 100 foreign nationals—including 50 Chinese citizens—in a sweeping crackdown on what it described as one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates in the country’s history.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that 102 convicted foreign cybercriminals have been repatriated so far, following a major sting operation last week in Lagos. Authorities revealed that 192 foreign suspects were initially arrested, with charges ranging from cyberterrorism to internet fraud.
The operation, code-named Eagle Flush, targeted a coordinated network of scammers, many of whom allegedly collaborated with local Nigerian recruits. The EFCC said it launched the operation based on actionable intelligence.
Photos released by the EFCC on X (formerly Twitter) showed deportees lined up at the airport, masked and carrying luggage. “Further deportations are scheduled in the coming days,” the agency announced.
Among the 192 arrested, 148 were Chinese nationals. This marks the second major foreign-targeted cybercrime bust in under a year. In December, nearly 800 individuals—including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipinos—were arrested in connection to online romance and crypto investment scams.
Cybercrime remains a major challenge in Nigeria. The EFCC attributes the rising trend to youth unemployment, weak regulations, and a growing informal economy. The country is also known for so-called “Yahoo Boys”—young scammers trained in online fraud.
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Last year, Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) reported removing thousands of Nigerian accounts involved in sextortion and blackmail schemes, as well as 5,700 Facebook groups promoting scamming tactics.
Authorities continue to urge vigilance, especially on social media, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to dismantle organized cybercrime networks involving both locals and foreigners.
