The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has honored the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, with a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding contributions to combating transnational crimes such as financial fraud, vehicle trafficking, cyber exploitation, and drug smuggling.
The award was presented on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, by Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, during a formal event held at the High Commission in Abuja. Salvaggio praised Olukoyede’s leadership and the EFCC’s crucial role in dismantling international criminal networks, noting that collaboration between the EFCC and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) since 2021 has yielded substantial results, including asset recovery and the breakdown of cross-border criminal enterprises.
He highlighted “Operation Hot Wheels”—a successful joint operation involving the EFCC and Nigeria Customs Service—as a key example of their effective partnership. The operation disrupted a major vehicle trafficking ring, enhancing security ties between both nations.
“Crime has no borders, and neither should justice,” Salvaggio stated. “Canada is committed to strengthening its security partnerships with Nigeria to tackle global threats and protect communities worldwide.”
In his acceptance remarks, Olukoyede expressed deep appreciation for the honor and reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to international collaboration. “This recognition speaks volumes about our joint efforts. Organized crime is global, and we must fight it with global alliances,” he said.
He pledged to deepen the EFCC’s collaboration with Canada and the RCMP to achieve even more impactful outcomes in tackling sophisticated criminal syndicates. Also honored at the event were other Nigerian law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (represented by Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) represented by Haruna Shadrack, and Interpol Nigeria, represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police Olaolu Adegbite.
