3 hours ago
8 ARTICLE AD
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the French government have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in asset tracking, cybercrime investigations, and security training.
This commitment was made on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, when Lieutenant General Regis Colombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
A Tuesday statement from the anti-graft’s, Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, revealed this.
Lieutenant General Colombet emphasized the importance of international collaboration in combating cyber and financial crimes, stating, “Since crime has no borders, international collaboration is essential, and the EFCC’s role in combating financial and cybercrimes is crucial to our collective security efforts.”
He highlighted France’s extensive involvement in security cooperation, particularly through specialized training centres such as the Cyber School in Dakar, Senegal, which focuses on “cyber investigations, ransomware threats, and criminal investigations related to asset tracking.”
Additionally, he mentioned the existence of an Academy in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, dedicated to counterterrorism training, among other initiatives.
Colombet described the visit as a follow-up to a strategic meeting held in December 2024, aimed at reinforcing the partnership between Nigeria and France.
“In our cooperation, we prioritize developing academic centres and training hubs, particularly in areas such as cyber investigations and security threats.
“We provide training opportunities, including specialized courses in France, to enhance expertise in security and defence,” he stated.
He also pointed out that France’s security collaboration with Nigeria extends beyond military assistance to include “cybersecurity, home affairs, civil defence, and broader security concerns.”
This comprehensive approach, according to Colombet, is vital for addressing the evolving nature of global security threats.
In response, Olukoyede welcomed the enhanced cooperation, acknowledging the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and France in tackling crime.
He stressed the importance of working together to combat cybercrimes, money laundering, and other transnational financial offences.
“Nigeria and France have a long history of collaboration in crime prevention and investigation.
“We have successfully worked together in asset tracing, and we are committed to strengthening that relationship further,” he said.
Olukoyede cited a recent success by the EFCC in dismantling an international criminal syndicate operating across Europe and Asia, which had targeted victims in France.
He underscored the need for sustained international partnerships to prevent such criminal networks from taking root in Nigeria.
“If we work together, we can significantly reduce the chances of these criminals finding safe havens anywhere in the world.
“Our primary responsibility is to ensure that these international syndicates do not succeed in perpetrating their crimes,” he asserted.
Highlighting the broader implications of financial crimes, the EFCC Chairman added, “This will help maintain global security, prevent civil unrest, and curb related offences such as arms trafficking and terrorism, which are often linked to financial crimes.”
Olukoyede also expressed appreciation for the training and capacity-building initiatives offered by France, emphasizing the challenges faced by Nigerian investigators.
“We appreciate the opportunities for training and capacity building. Crime detection and investigation in Nigeria differ significantly from Europe.
“While European law enforcement can access digital records at the push of a button, our investigations require extensive fieldwork,” he explained.
He further remarked on the potential of combining Nigeria’s practical expertise with France’s advanced technological tools to create a more robust crime-fighting strategy.
“By combining our practical expertise with France’s advanced technological tools, we can create a more effective crime-fighting strategy,” Olukoyede concluded.
The partnership, according to the statement, is expected to boost the EFCC’s capabilities in asset recovery and cyber investigations, reinforcing Nigeria’s efforts to combat financial crimes effectively.
NEWS UPDATE: Get paid up to ₦120,000 per referral, payouts are sent to you within 24hours. Refer colleagues, friends, family, church members etc. Our approval process is STRICT, we desire only QUALITY REFEERALS. No fees required from you. Click here to apply.
