The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 51 more foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime activities. This brings the total number of convicted foreign nationals deported in the ongoing repatriation exercise to 102 since it commenced on Friday, August 15, 2025.
According to a statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, the exercise is being executed in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The development represents the federal government’s effort to crack down on cybercrimes nationwide.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, and the Nigerian Immigration Service NIS, have repatriated 51 more foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud,” part of the statement reads.
In addition, the latest group of foreign nationals repatriated includes 50 Chinese and one Tunisian. The statement reveals that the convicted nationals are among the 192 foreign nationals arrested during a sting operation by the Commission in Lagos.
Deported convicts (Image Credit: EFCC)
Recall that in a landmark raid by the EFCC, 792 suspects were arrested for crimes of high-level cybercrime activities and online romance scams. The suspects comprise 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, two Kharzartans, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian, while the rest are Nigerians.
The EFCC explained that the ongoing exercise is a testament to its continued commitment to ensuring that Nigeria is not a place for all forms of cybercrime activities.
“The successful conviction and repatriation of these individuals sends a clear message: we will not tolerate the use of our nation’s digital space for illicit activities that undermine our economy and national security.”
As the repatriation is a work in progress, more foreign nationals are expected to be deported in the coming days, according to the anti-crime agency.
Also Read: EFCC’s Cybercrime Response Academy for ‘Yahoo Boys’: A step toward reform or a risky precedent?.
Earlier in August, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted and fined 21 foreign nationals N1 million each for their involvement in cybercrime activities.
The individuals, part of a larger group of foreign nationals facing charges, were found guilty of cybercrime, money laundering, and actions threatening Nigeria’s national security.
According to the report, the defendants conspired to commit cybercrimes, accessed computer networks unlawfully, and laundered proceeds from illegal platforms. They also overstayed their 30-day business permits, violating Nigeria’s Immigration Act of 2015.
The verdict is yet another representation of Nigeria’s intolerance of illegal activities that threaten the peace of the country. The federal government has also made commitments to promote Nigeria’s image and integrity.
The convicted individuals include nationals from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. Among them are Yang Yang (33), Li Xiao Fen (41), Zheng Peng Zhan (28), Shu Huan (20), Jupanpan (25), Feng Guo (29), Zhao Yifan (31), Mahunan (26), Wang Yi Bo (24), Chen Yan Qi (26), and Shi Hao Jie (28).
Others include Xiejang Bing (29), Zheng Jian Feng, Zheng Peng Fei (32), Wei Tang (32), Wang Hao (27), Cheng Xing (30), Yang Xu Gung (27), Zhu Jiu Hui (28), Xhou Kia Lai (28), and Tue Xue Fie (21). They were represented in court by lawyers Linda Ikpeazu and Julius Mba.
In a move to tackle Nigeria’s rampant cybercrime problem, the federal government launched a Cybercrime Response Academy in July. Through the EFCC, the initiative serves as a rehabilitation program for convicted cybercriminals, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys.”
The academy will initially train 500 participants, with plans to scale to 2,500, offering digital skills training and monthly stipends to redirect their expertise into legitimate careers. Also in its plan is to harness the talents of these individuals for Nigeria’s gain.
While there were concerns about the initiative rewarding convicts, the academy’s mission is to reform their skills to serve the Nigerian society positively. These include coding, hacking, or digital manipulation, for legitimate industries such as software development and cybersecurity.
By Technext
about 5 hours ago
