**Major Crackdown on Cybercrime: Nigeria Deports 50 Foreign Nationals in Sting Operation**

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has taken significant steps to combat a growing issue of cybercrime, indicating a sustained effort to address both local and international aspects of the problem.

In a significant move against cybercrime, Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deported 50 Chinese nationals as part of an ongoing crackdown on a "foreign-led cybercrime syndicate." Over the past week, a total of 102 foreign nationals have been repatriated after being convicted of serious offenses, including cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

The recent sting operation in Lagos led to the arrest of 192 foreigners, the majority of whom were Chinese. This operation, named "Eagle Flush," was initiated following actionable intelligence and followed previous successful raids targeting cybercriminals in the nation, which is known for its ongoing struggles with internet fraud and romance scams.

Cybercrime has surged in Nigeria, a phenomenon attributed to high unemployment rates, a desire for rapid wealth, and ineffective regulatory frameworks. Last year, the EFCC reported alarming trends with cybercrime being one of the most frequently committed offenses, and the creation of organized networks involving both foreign nationals and local scammers has compounded the problem.

Social media platforms have taken notice as well, with Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, previously removing thousands of accounts linked to sextortion schemes operated from Nigeria. Despite these efforts, cybercrime remains a prevalent threat, prompting authorities to maintain a vigilant response to the ongoing issue.

As the EFCC prepares for more deportations in the following days, the focus remains on dismantling these syndicates and addressing the broader implications of cybercrime within the region.