Tinubu Commends EFCC as FBI Praises Nigeria’s Role in Sextortion Crackdown

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) praised Nigeria’s contribution to an international operation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of minors.

The commendation followed a letter from FBI Director Kash Patel to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, acknowledging the Commission’s role in Operation Artemis, a joint investigation into sextortion crimes involving children.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, the operation resulted in the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, to the United States in August 2026.

The two men are facing federal charges in the US over their alleged involvement in the crimes.

In his letter, Patel praised the EFCC for its cooperation and commitment to the investigation, stating that the successful outcome of the cases would not have been possible without the Commission’s assistance and international law enforcement collaboration.

Reacting to the FBI’s recognition, Tinubu described the commendation as evidence of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its anti-corruption institutions and improve cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.

The President praised Olukoyede and his team for their professionalism, insisting that Nigeria must not become a safe haven for individuals who exploit innocent people within or outside the country.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s support for law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies in pursuing offenders and ensuring they are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Tinubu said the government was committed to building stronger institutions capable of delivering measurable results in the fight against corruption and other financial crimes.

The Presidency noted that the FBI’s commendation comes amid other international developments involving Nigeria’s financial crime control efforts.

These include Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and its removal from the European Union’s list of high-risk financial jurisdictions in January 2026.

Tinubu said the developments reflected his administration’s commitment to improving 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,” the President said, stressing that stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation were necessary to ensure that criminals are held accountable.

He urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts, assuring them of continued government support in tackling financial crimes and protecting Nigerians.

The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and dated October 31, 2026.