In a fresh offensive against internet fraud, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that foreign cybercriminals convicted in Nigeria will be deported after serving jail terms. This comes after EFCC operatives busted a massive hacking syndicate involving 194 individuals, the majority of whom are non-Nigerians. Out of these, 146 suspects have already been convicted by Nigerian courts. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede explained that this new policy ensures cybercriminals don't continue illegal activities after their jail term and sends a strong message to international fraud networks that Nigeria is no longer a safe playground for digital crime.
This move underscores Nigeria's growing commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and protecting its digital space. It also aligns with broader efforts from NITDA, NCC, and other digital agencies to sanitize Nigeria’s online reputation and attract legitimate investment. For ordinary Nigerians, it means better protection of personal data, fewer scam-related disruptions, and a more trustworthy tech ecosystem. As the EFCC continues to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies, we can expect more cross-border crackdowns, legal reforms, and awareness campaigns to shield Nigeria’s digital future from cyber threats.
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