President Bola Tinubu has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a letter from FBI Director Kash Patel praising the agency’s role in the arrest and extradition of two Nigerians linked to an international sextortion network targeting minors.
President Tinubu’s commendation was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In his letter to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Patel 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 Adekunle and Mudasiru Olawale, in August 2026. Both are currently facing federal charges in the United States.
Patel said the successful outcome of the cases would not have been possible without the EFCC’s assistance and commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.
Reacting to the commendation, Tinubu described it as recognition of Nigeria’s efforts to combat financial crimes and strengthen collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
He praised Olukoyede and his team for their professionalism, insisting that Nigeria must not become a safe haven for criminals who exploit innocent people at home or abroad.
The President also assured law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies of his administration’s support in pursuing offenders and bringing them to justice in accordance with the law.
Tinubu further cited Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s list of high-risk financial jurisdictions in January 2026 as evidence of progress in the country’s anti-corruption and financial crime reforms.
He urged the EFCC and other agencies to sustain their efforts, stressing that stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation were essential to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.