Nigeria has deported more than 100 foreign nationals, including 50 Chinese citizens, in what authorities describe as one of the country’s largest crackdowns on foreign-led cybercrime operations.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a total of 102 convicted foreigners have been repatriated so far in the ongoing operation, codenamed “Eagle Flush.” The anti-graft agency confirmed that those deported were found guilty of cyberterrorism and internet fraud, offences that have plagued Nigeria for years.
The deportations followed a sting operation in Lagos last Friday, during which 192 foreigners were arrested. Of those, 148 were Chinese nationals. Photos released by the EFCC on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showed rows of deportees at the airport with their luggage, awaiting repatriation. The agency noted that further deportations are scheduled in the coming days.
This is Nigeria’s second major swoop on foreign-led cybercrime networks in less than a year. In December, authorities arrested nearly 800 suspects, including 148 Chinese nationals and 40 Filipinos, who were allegedly part of an organized syndicate running romance scams and cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes.
Nigeria’s Growing Cybercrime Challenge
Nigeria has long battled a reputation for internet fraud, with “Yahoo Boys” – a local term for young cybercriminals – gaining notoriety for running online scams. The EFCC attributes the rising cases of cybercrime to unemployment, a booming informal economy, weak regulatory systems, and the lure of quick wealth among youths.
The country has also been linked to several high-profile international cyber-fraud cases, some uncovered by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Global tech companies have also intervened in curbing the menace. Last year, Meta (Instagram’s parent company) removed thousands of accounts in Nigeria involved in online sextortion and romance scams, while also shutting down 5,700 Facebook groups where fraudsters exchanged tips on scamming.
Authorities Urge Public Vigilance
Experts and security agencies continue to warn Nigerians and global internet users to remain vigilant against online scams. Cybercriminals often disguise themselves as young women or investors online, luring victims into sharing explicit content or investing in fake schemes, before resorting to blackmail or financial exploitation.
With Operation Eagle Flush ongoing, the EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling cybercrime syndicates in Nigeria and restoring public trust in digital spaces.
