President Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will not become a safe haven for internet fraudsters and other criminals.
This was just as he commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its role in the arrest and extradition of two Nigerians accused of international sextortion crimes involving minors.
Tinubu gave the commendation following a letter from the Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, praising the EFCC’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. Both are facing federal charges in the United States.
In his letter to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Patel acknowledged the Commission’s assistance, stating that “the successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration.”
Reacting to the recognition, Tinubu described it as evidence of Nigeria’s progress in combating financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.
“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,” the President said.
The commendation comes amid other international recognitions of Nigeria’s 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.
Tinubu said the developments reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening financial integrity, restoring international confidence and creating a secure environment for legitimate businesses and investments.
“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,” he stated.
In a separate development, the EFCC has inaugurated Integrity Clubs in 50 secondary schools as part of efforts to promote anti-corruption awareness and encourage accountability among young Nigerians.
The inauguration took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Junior Secondary School, Jabi 2, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who was represented by the Head of the Commission’s Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit, Assistant Commander Aisha Mohammed, described corruption as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development.
“Corruption has always been the bane of our development as a country. We are battling with several developmental issues in our land owing to the unsavoury effects of corrupt practices. This situation cannot and must not be allowed to continue,” he said.
Olukoyede disclosed that the Commission had secured more than 23,000 convictions and recovered substantial monetary and non-monetary assets since its establishment.
“The Commission, since inception, has taken the anti-corruption fight to the level of a war. We have secured more than 23,000 convictions, recovered immense monetary and non-monetary assets and, in the process, deprived corrupt individuals of the enjoyment of their proceeds of crime,” he said.
He explained that the Integrity Clubs initiative was part of the Commission’s broader efforts to strengthen public awareness and involve citizens in the fight against corruption.
The EFCC chairman also warned students against cybercrime, sextortion, impersonation and other forms of internet fraud.
“I enjoin you to stay away from cybercrime, sextortion, impersonation and other typologies of fraud peculiar to young people. The EFCC values you and wants a better future for you.
“Train your minds to embrace hard work, innovation, enterprise and positive means of wealth creation. Refuse to follow the ways of least resistance because there are consequences for corrupt practices,” he said.
He urged the students to prioritise their future over temporary gains and encouraged members of the newly inaugurated clubs to serve as EFCC ambassadors by promoting integrity in their schools, homes and communities.
Also speaking, Acting Chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), Nsu Rabo, said educating children was a collective responsibility and commended the EFCC for its involvement in developing responsible citizens.
He assured the Commission and its partners of the Board’s cooperation, urging them to sustain the initiative.
The Permanent Secretary of FCT Transport Services, Florence Okonkwo, also encouraged the students to take advantage of available opportunities and demonstrate responsibility.
