Nigeria has deported 102 foreigners convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, according to the country’s anti-corruption agency. Among those sent back were 60 Chinese nationals and 39 Filipinos, highlighting the scale of international cybercrime networks operating within the country.
Who Were the Deportees?
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initially reported that 50 Chinese were among the deportees, alongside a Tunisian. Later, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale clarified that the total number included 39 Filipinos, 10 more Chinese nationals, and two Kazakhstanis repatriated since August 15. He also confirmed that additional deportations are scheduled in the coming days.
Pictures released by EFCC showed groups of Asian men wearing surgical face masks lined up at airport check-in counters. The deportees were among 792 suspected cybercriminals arrested in a December operation in Lagos’ affluent Victoria Island. Of those arrested, 192 were foreign nationals, including 148 Chinese citizens.
How Did the Scams Work?
According to EFCC, foreign gangs collaborated with Nigerian accomplices to carry out phishing scams. These scams involved tricking victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive information such as passwords. The targets were mostly individuals in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
Nigeria has long battled a reputation for internet fraudsters locally known as “Yahoo Boys.” Authorities have uncovered hideouts where young criminals are trained in scamming techniques, but experts warn that foreign syndicates are increasingly exploiting Nigeria’s weak cybersecurity systems.
With more arrests and deportations expected, the EFCC continues to send a strong message that cyber-terrorism and online fraud will not be tolerated.
By Risper Akinyi