The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has honoured the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, with a prestigious Certificate of Recognition for his exceptional leadership in combating transnational crime.
The award was presented by His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, during a ceremony at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. Salvaggio commended Olukoyede’s tireless efforts in tackling economic and financial crimes, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation, and drug smuggling, emphasizing the EFCC’s pivotal role in dismantling organized criminal networks operating across borders.
Since the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) liaison office in Nigeria in 2021, Canada and Nigeria have strengthened their partnership through intelligence exchanges, operational support, joint investigations, and capacity-building initiatives. Salvaggio highlighted the success of Operation Hot Wheels, a joint effort between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service, which disrupted a major vehicle trafficking network and reinforced bilateral security ties.
“This recognition underscores the importance of international collaboration in the fight against crime,” said Olukoyede. “The kind of crime we fight today has become global in nature. It requires countries to form strategic alliances to effectively counter these threats.”