Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the French government have actively pledged to strengthen collaboration.
Furthermore, both parties will prioritize joint efforts in asset tracking, cybercrime investigations, and security training programs.
Building on this commitment, they aim to enhance information-sharing frameworks and streamline cross-border operations.
Additionally, expanded training initiatives will equip personnel with advanced tools to combat evolving financial crimes.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by Lieutenant General Régis Colombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
The meeting, which follows a strategic session held in December 2024, underscores the growing partnership between Nigeria and France in tackling transnational financial crimes and cyber threats. In a statement released by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, Colombet emphasized France’s dedication to fostering international cooperation through specialized training and academic initiatives.
Highlighting France’s contributions, Colombet pointed to the establishment of training hubs, such as the Cyber School in Dakar, Senegal, which focuses on cyber investigations, ransomware threats, and asset-tracking techniques. He also referenced an Academy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, dedicated to counterterrorism training. These institutions are part of France’s broader efforts to enhance security expertise across Africa.
“In our cooperation, we prioritize developing academic centres and training hubs in areas such as cyber investigations and security threats,” Colombet stated. “We also offer specialized courses in France to enhance expertise in security and defence. Since crime knows no borders, international collaboration is essential. The EFCC’s role in combating financial and cybercrimes is critical to our shared security objectives.”
Colombet further noted that France’s security collaboration with Nigeria extends beyond military operations to include cybersecurity, home affairs, civil defence, and broader security concerns.
Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede welcomed the French delegation and expressed optimism about deepening the partnership. He acknowledged the history of successful collaboration between Nigeria and France on crime prevention and investigation, particularly in asset tracing and the fight against transnational financial crimes.
“Nigeria and France have a long history of collaboration in crime prevention and investigation,” Olukoyede said. “Given the borderless nature of financial and cybercrimes, international cooperation is crucial. We are committed to strengthening our relationship further to prevent and investigate these offenses.”
Olukoyede highlighted a recent breakthrough by the EFCC in dismantling an international criminal syndicate operating across Europe and Asia, which had plans to expand into Nigeria. Some of the syndicate’s victims were based in France. This development underscores the importance of sustained international collaboration in preventing such crimes from taking root.
“If we work together, we can significantly reduce the chances of these criminals finding safe havens anywhere in the world,” he added. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure that these international syndicates do not succeed in their activities. This will help maintain global security, prevent civil unrest, and curb related offenses such as arms trafficking and terrorism, which are often linked to financial crimes.”
EFCC Emphasis on Capacity Building and Technology
The EFCC chairman expressed gratitude for France’s capacity-building initiatives, emphasizing the importance of leveraging advanced technological tools to enhance crime-fighting efforts. He noted the differences in investigative approaches between Nigeria and Europe, highlighting the need for tailored strategies.
“Crime detection and investigation in Nigeria differ significantly from Europe,” Olukoyede explained. “While European law enforcement can access digital records at the push of a button, our investigations often require extensive fieldwork. By combining our practical expertise with France’s advanced technological tools, we can create a more effective strategy for combating crime.”
Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to working closely with the French embassy and its security attaché in Nigeria. He also stressed the need for continuous collaboration to address emerging threats in cybersecurity and financial crimes.
A Shared Vision for Global Security
The meeting between the EFCC and the French delegation reflects a shared vision for global security and underscores the necessity of international partnerships in tackling complex crimes. Both parties reiterated their resolve to prevent financial crimes, cybercrimes, and other transnational offenses that threaten economic stability and public safety.
As cyber threats and financial crimes continue to evolve, the collaboration between Nigeria and France serves as a model for international cooperation in addressing these challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, both nations aim to create a safer environment for their citizens and contribute to global security efforts.
