Canada Honors EFCC Chairman Olukoyede For Outstanding Fight Against Transnational Crime

The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, in acknowledgment of his exceptional efforts in combating transnational crime.

The award was presented on May 21, 2025, during a ceremony in Abuja led by Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio. In his remarks, Salvaggio commended Olukoyede’s leadership in tackling economic and financial crimes, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation, and drug smuggling.

He specifically praised the EFCC’s role in disrupting cross-border criminal networks through initiatives such as ‘Operation Hot Wheels’—a collaborative effort with the Nigeria Customs Service that led to the dismantling of a major vehicle trafficking ring.

Salvaggio noted that since the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) liaison office in Nigeria in 2021, joint efforts with the EFCC have resulted in asset recoveries, financial restitution, and successful investigations.

“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 said.

He added, “These collective efforts underscore a simple truth: crime knows no borders, and neither should our pursuit of justice. Canada deeply values its law enforcement partnerships with Nigeria and looks forward to expanding these collaborations to protect victims, boost global security, and dismantle criminal enterprises that threaten our communities and economies.”