Nigerian authorities have arrested hundreds of Chinese nationals since early 2025 in connection with sophisticated cybercrime syndicates operating corporate-like fraud operations. This crackdown confirms Nigeria’s status as the epicenter of Africa’s Chinese-led cybercrime, with nearly 1,000 suspects—including 177 Chinese nationals—arrested in late 2024 and early 2025 during raids in Abuja and Lagos. This trend aligns with reporting from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which notes Africa has become a refuge for Chinese cybercriminals displaced from Southeast Asia by government crackdowns.
In one major action last August, 60 Chinese nationals were among more than 100 people deported by Nigeria following convictions on cyber terrorism and internet fraud charges. According to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), most were operating online romance scams designed to persuade victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency. The EFCC has emphasized its commitment, stating: “The fight against cybercrime is being pursued with renewed intensity, and we are working with global partners to ensure these networks are dismantled.”
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede underscored the challenge following late 2024 raids that detained 148 Chinese nationals among nearly 800 suspects. He said: “Foreigners are taking advantage of our nation’s unfortunate reputation as a haven of frauds to establish a foothold here to disguise their atrocious criminal enterprises.”