Nigeria Won’t Be Haven For Criminals Exploiting Children – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will not become a haven for criminals who exploit innocent people, particularly children, either within the country or abroad.

The President made the declaration while commending the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its role in the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects involved in international sextortion crimes targeting minors.

Tinubu’s commendation followed a letter from the Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, praising the EFCC’s contribution to Operation Artemis, a joint investigation targeting criminal networks involved in the sexual exploitation and extortion of children.

The operation led to the arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, in August 2026. Both are facing federal charges in the United States.

In a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga,the President said the FBI’s commendation represented further recognition of Nigeria’s progress in combating financial crimes and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.

“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.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The FBI Director, in his letter to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, acknowledged the Commission’s contribution to the successful operation, noting that the outcome would not have been possible without Nigeria’s assistance and commitment to international law enforcement collaboration.

“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” Patel wrote.

The President said the commendation came amid growing international recognition of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial crime reforms.

He cited Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 and the European Union’s high-risk financial jurisdictions list in January 2026 as evidence of progress in strengthening the country’s financial integrity.

According to him, the developments reflect his administration’s commitment to restoring international confidence and creating a more secure environment for legitimate businesses and investment.

“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,” the President stated.

Tinubu urged the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts, assuring them of his administration’s continued support in protecting Nigerians, combating financial crimes and strengthening the country’s standing among international partners.