President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to intensify the fight against internet fraud and other cyber-related offences, insisting that Nigeria will not provide a safe haven for individuals defrauding Americans and other foreign nationals.
The President’s position followed commendation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over its involvement in securing the extradition of two suspected internet fraudsters from Lagos, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026. Tinubu, in a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, praised the anti-graft agency for its role in the operation.
“Nigeria must never become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, whether at home or abroad. Our law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have my full support to pursue offenders and bring them to justice in accordance with the law,” Mr Tinubu said.
The President also expressed confidence in the EFCC’s performance, describing its efforts as consistent with his administration’s objective of building stronger and more effective public institutions.
He added, “This is the kind of institutional performance we are determined to build across our country. I commend the EFCC Chairman and his team for their professionalism and dedication.”
Tinubu further noted that the extradition of Adekunle and Olawale demonstrated the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s financial system, improving its international reputation and establishing a secure business environment capable of attracting legitimate investments.
According to him, the administration intends to assess its anti-corruption campaign through measurable achievements rather than public announcements, stressing the importance of institutional capacity, law enforcement and cross-border partnerships in tackling financial crimes.
“Our fight against corruption is not measured by publicity but by results. Stronger institutions, effective law enforcement and international cooperation are essential to building a Nigeria where honest enterprise can thrive, and criminals are held accountable,” Mr Tinubu said.
Meanwhile, the FBI disclosed on Sunday that nine Nigerians had been arrested as part of an international operation targeting cybercriminal networks accused of defrauding victims, particularly in the United States.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation, identified as Operation Blackout, was designed to disrupt international fraud networks responsible for stealing billions of dollars from Americans.
“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” FBI czar Kash Patel said, adding FBI’s “latest operation in Nigeria delivered: 9 arrests, 53 electronic devices seized and $11 million in potentially freezable funds identified across multiple countries.”
