Tinubu hails EFCC over FBI commendation
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following praise from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for its role in arresting and extraditing two Nigerians accused of involvement in international sextortion crimes targeting minors.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said the commendation reflected Nigeria’s growing cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in combating financial crimes and protecting vulnerable people.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The commendation followed a letter from FBI Director Kash Patel to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, acknowledging the commission’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.
The operation resulted in the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026. Both are facing federal charges in the United States.
Patel praised the EFCC’s cooperation, saying the successful outcome of the cases would not have been possible without its assistance and commitment to international law enforcement collaboration.
Tinubu said Nigeria would not tolerate criminals who exploit innocent people, whether within the country or abroad.
“Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad,” he said.
The president pledged continued support for the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies, urging them to pursue offenders in accordance with the law.
The commendation comes after Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and, according to the presidency, the European Union’s list of high-risk financial jurisdictions in January 2026.
Tinubu described the developments as evidence of his administration’s efforts to strengthen financial integrity, restore international confidence and improve the business environment.
“Our fight against corruption is not measured by publicity but by results,” he said.
He urged anti-corruption agencies to sustain their efforts, stressing that stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation were essential to combating financial crimes and protecting Nigeria’s international reputation.