Nigeria Deports 192 Foreign Cybercrime Convicts After Joint EFCC, NIS, and NCoS Operation

In a massive inter-agency crackdown on transnational cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has completed the deportation of 192 convicted foreign nationals for various internet-related fraud and cyber-terrorism offenses.

The deportation exercise, which was executed across multiple phases, marks one of the largest single repatriations of convicted cybercriminals in Nigeria’s history. The 192 deportees had served varying prison sentences in correctional facilities across the country after being successfully prosecuted by the EFCC on charges including advanced fee fraud, romance scams, and other sophisticated cyber-schemes.

According to a joint statement released by the agencies, the coordinated operation ensured that the convicts were handed over to NIS officials immediately upon the completion of their sentences. The NIS, which oversees border control and management, processed the necessary travel documents and exit permits, while the NCoS provided secure custody and logistics leading up to their final departure.

A spokesperson for the EFCC emphasized that the exercise underscores the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards cybercrime and the commitment to protecting Nigeria’s image from being tainted by the activities of foreign syndicates operating within its borders.

The successful operation is a testament to the enhanced synergy between the nation’s law enforcement, correctional, and border management agencies. The authorities affirmed their commitment to continuing this level of collaboration to ensure that Nigeria is not a haven for international criminals seeking to exploit digital space for illegal activities. The identity and specific home countries of the deported individuals were not immediately disclosed, in line with diplomatic protocols.