Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a letter from the Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, praising the fee’s function in apprehending and extraditing suspects concerned in worldwide sextortion crimes towards minors.
In the letter to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the FBI Director acknowledged the fee’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation concentrating on prison networks concerned in the sexual exploitation and extortion of youngsters.
The operation led to the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026, and at the moment are dealing with federal fees in the United States.
“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” Patel wrote.
The commendation got here amid rising worldwide recognition of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and monetary crime reforms, together with the nation’s removing from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray listing in October 2025 and the European Union’s high-risk monetary jurisdictions listing in January 2026.
Reacting to the optimistic improvement, President Tinubu, in an announcement issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the commendation as additional recognition of Nigeria’s progress in combating monetary crimes and strengthening worldwide legislation enforcement cooperation.
According to Tinubu: “This is the sort of institutional efficiency we’re decided to construct throughout our nation. I commend the EFCC Chairman and his staff for his or her professionalism and dedication.
“Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad. Our law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have my full support to pursue offenders and bring them to justice in accordance with the law.”
Tinubu mentioned these developments have been a mirrored image of his administration’s dedication to strengthening monetary integrity, restoring worldwide confidence and making a safer atmosphere for respectable companies and funding.
“Our fight against corruption is not measured by publicity but by results. Stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation are essential to building a Nigeria where honest enterprise can thrive, and criminals are held accountable,” the president said.
He urged the EFCC and different legislation enforcement companies to maintain their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued assist in defending Nigerians, combating monetary crimes and strengthening the nation’s standing amongst its worldwide companions.
