Tinubu Backs EFCC After FBI Praises Sextortion Crackdown

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, praised the agency’s role in arresting and extraditing two Nigerians allegedly linked to an international sextortion network targeting minors.

Tinubu expressed his appreciation in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘Tinubu hails EFCC as FBI commends Nigeria’s role in international sextortion crackdown.’

In a letter addressed to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, Patel recognised the commission’s contributions to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.

The operation led to the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Adekunle and Mudasiru Olawale, in August 2026. Both men are currently 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.

Reacting to the FBI’s recognition, Tinubu described the commendation as another indication of Nigeria’s efforts to tackle financial crimes and strengthen international law enforcement partnerships.

He said, “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.”

The President also stressed that Nigeria must not become a safe haven for individuals who prey on innocent people, either within the country or abroad.

“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,” he added.

The development follows a series of international assessments of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial crime reforms.

Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and subsequently delisted from the European Union’s list of high-risk financial jurisdictions in January 2026.

Tinubu said the developments demonstrated his administration’s efforts to rebuild international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

“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.

The President urged the EFCC and other security agencies to sustain their efforts, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting their work in protecting Nigerians and strengthening the country’s reputation among international partners.