Canadian High Commission honours EFCC boss for global anti-crime efforts

The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has honoured Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, with a Certificate of Recognition for his exceptional contributions to the global fight against transnational crime.

Olukoyede was recognised for his efforts in combating economic and financial crimes, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation, and drug smuggling.

According to a statement on the anti-graft agency’s X handle, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, presented the certificate during a ceremony held at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.

The statement reads:

“The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 honoured the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, with a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding contributions to the global fight against transnational crime including economic and financial crimes, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation and drug smuggling.

“The Certificate was presented by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, during a ceremony at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.

“Salvaggio commended Olukoyede’s leadership and the EFCC’s pivotal role in curbing organised criminal networks operating across borders.

“ ‘Your tireless efforts in combating transnational crime, financial fraud, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation and drug smuggling have been instrumental in strengthening security and justice across our borders’ he said. ‘Since the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), liaison office in Nigeria in 2021, our partnership with Nigerian law enforcement agencies has grown through vital intelligence exchanges, operational support, joint investigations and capacity building initiatives’.

“He noted that the RCMP’s presence in Nigeria has facilitated stronger collaboration, resulting in tangible outcomes such as asset recovery, financial restitution and dismantling of cross-border criminal syndicates.

“ ‘The RCMP’s partnership with the EFCC has led to the recovery and handover of stolen assets and financial institutions, setting a benchmark for international anti-fraud operations’, he said.

“Salvaggio particularly cited ‘Operation Hot Wheels’, a joint operation spearheaded by the EFCC with the participation of the Nigeria Customs Service, as a prime example of the collaborative success between both countries. The operation disrupted a major vehicle trafficking network and reinforced bilateral security ties.

“ ‘These collective efforts underscore a simple truth: crime knows no borders, and neither should our pursuit for justice. Canada deeply values its law enforcement partnerships with Nigeria and looks forward to deepening these collaborations to enhance global security, protect victims, and dismantle criminal enterprises that threaten our economies and communities’, he said.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>>