The Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has been awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Canadian High Commission for his exceptional contributions to tackling transnational crime

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria presented a Certificate of Recognition to Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for his outstanding leadership in the fight against transnational crime.

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Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio led the ceremony, commending Mr. Olukoyede’s crucial role in addressing economic and financial crimes, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation, and drug smuggling.

Salvaggio particularly highlighted the EFCC’s pivotal efforts in disrupting cross-border criminal networks, citing the success of initiatives such as ‘Operation Hot Wheels,’ a joint operation with the Nigeria Customs Service that effectively dismantled a significant vehicle trafficking ring.

Since the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) liaison office in Nigeria in 2021, collaboration with the EFCC has yielded substantial results, including asset recovery, financial restitution, and joint investigations.

Salvaggio underscored that these partnerships exemplify the borderless nature of crime and the imperative for global cooperation to bolster security and dismantle criminal enterprises.

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,” stated Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio.

“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,” Salvaggio remarked during the event.

He added, “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.”

Salvaggio concluded by emphasising the shared commitment to justice: “These collective efforts underscore a simple truth: crime knows no borders, and neither should our pursuit for justice.

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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.”