Tinubu Lauds EFCC As FBI Thumbs Up Nigeria in Global Sextortion Crackdown

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 commission’s role in apprehending and extraditing suspects involved in international sextortion crimes against minors.

In the letter to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the FBI Director acknowledged the commission’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.

The operation led to the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026, and are now facing federal charges 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 came amid growing international recognition of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial crime reforms, including the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s high-risk financial jurisdictions list in January 2026.

Reacting to the positive development, President Tinubu, in a statement issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the commendation as further recognition of Nigeria’s progress in combating financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.

According to Tinubu: “This is the kind of institutional performance we are determined to build across our country. I commend the EFCC Chairman and his team for their 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 said these developments were a reflection of his administration’s commitment to strengthening financial integrity, restoring international confidence and creating a more secure environment for legitimate businesses and investment.

“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 stated.

He urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued support in protecting Nigerians, combating financial crimes and strengthening the country’s standing among its international partners.