ABUJA — The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has been honoured by the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria for his outstanding contributions to the global fight against transnational crime, including economic and financial offences, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation, and drug smuggling.
The recognition came in the form of a Certificate of Recognition, presented by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, during a formal ceremony at the High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
In his address, Salvaggio lauded Olukoyede’s leadership and the EFCC’s critical role in dismantling organised criminal networks operating across international 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.
The envoy highlighted that since the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) liaison office in Nigeria in 2021, collaboration with Nigerian law enforcement has led to vital intelligence sharing, joint operations, and successful capacity-building initiatives. According to him, the partnership has yielded significant results, including the recovery and repatriation of stolen assets, restitution of funds, and the disruption of cross-border criminal syndicates.
Salvaggio pointed to “Operation Hot Wheels,” a joint crackdown spearheaded by the EFCC and supported by the Nigeria Customs Service, as a notable example of success through bilateral cooperation. The operation reportedly dismantled a major international vehicle trafficking ring and strengthened Nigeria–Canada security ties.
“These collective efforts underscore a simple truth: crime knows no borders, and neither should our pursuit for justice,” Salvaggio declared. “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.”
In his response, Olukoyede expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a reflection of the enduring cooperation between Nigeria and Canada. “It is one thing to work, and another thing to be recognised. This honour is a testament to the strength of our collaboration with Canada, particularly the RCMP,” he said.
The EFCC boss emphasised the increasingly global nature of crime and called for more strategic international partnerships. “The kind of crime we fight today has evolved beyond borders. It’s become so sophisticated that countries must also form strategic alliances, almost like their own syndicates, to stay ahead,” he remarked.
Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to strengthening ties with Canada and other international partners, pledging to take the existing cooperation to new heights. “We are open to more mutually beneficial relationships. With deeper collaboration, we can achieve even greater results in fighting crime,” he added.
Also honoured at the ceremony were other Nigerian law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Police’s Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja — all recognised for their roles in advancing international justice and security.
