Nigeria Deports 50 Chinese Nationals in Cybercrime Crackdown | EFCC Operation Eagle Flush

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has deported dozens of foreign nationals, including 50 Chinese citizens, in a sweeping crackdown on what officials describe as one of the country’s largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the operation is part of an ongoing campaign dubbed Eagle Flush. The agency confirmed that 102 convicted foreigners have now been repatriated after being found guilty of cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

The latest deportations followed a coordinated sting in Lagos last week, during which 192 foreign suspects were arrested. Of those detained, 148 were Chinese nationals, the EFCC reported.

Nigeria’s Battle Against Cybercrime

Nigeria has long been associated with online fraud, particularly romance scams. The EFCC notes that cybercrime was one of the most widespread offences in the country last year. Over the years, the agency has raided several hubs where so-called “Yahoo Boys” – young Nigerians notorious for scamming – are trained.

The issue extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. Several high-profile fraud cases involving Nigerians overseas have been uncovered, some in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Deportations to Continue

EFCC shared photos on X (@officialEFCC) showing groups of foreign nationals in face masks, lined up at the airport with their luggage before deportation. “Further deportations are scheduled in the coming days,” the agency said.

Authorities say the Eagle Flush operation was launched after receiving “actionable intelligence.” It is the second major crackdown on foreign cybercrime suspects in Nigeria in the past year, highlighting the government’s intensified effort to combat international cyber fraud.