Nigeria has deported 102 foreigners, including 50 Chinese nationals, as part of a significant crackdown on one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates. The operation, conducted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), targeted individuals convicted of “cyberterrorism and internet fraud.”
The deportations followed a sting operation in Lagos, where 192 foreigners were arrested. Of those detained, 148 were identified as Chinese nationals. This initiative, dubbed “Eagle Flush,” was launched after the EFCC received “actionable intelligence” regarding the suspects’ activities.
Cybercrime remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with the EFCC reporting that it was one of the most prevalent offenses last year. The rise in such crimes has been linked to high unemployment rates and a desire for quick wealth among youth, exacerbated by a large informal economy and weak regulatory frameworks.
The EFCC has previously dismantled numerous hideouts used by young cybercriminals, known locally as “Yahoo Boys.” Additionally, high-profile cases involving Nigerians abroad have been uncovered, with investigations conducted by the US’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In December, nearly 800 suspects were arrested in a similar operation targeting foreigners involved in romance and cryptocurrency scams. Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has also removed thousands of accounts linked to sextortion schemes in Nigeria.
The EFCC continues to warn social media users about the increasing dangers of online scams, urging vigilance as such activities remain a significant threat in the region.
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