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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the French government have agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling financial crimes, cybercrime, and related security threats.
This commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by Lieutenant General Regis Colombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Colombet emphasized France’s expertise in developing specialized academic and training centers, referencing institutions such as the Cyber School in Dakar, Senegal, and the Counterterrorism Academy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He stated that the collaboration will focus on asset tracking, cybercrime investigations, and security training.
“In our partnership, we prioritize the establishment of academic centers and training hubs, particularly in cybersecurity and financial crime investigations. We offer training programs, including specialized courses in France, to enhance security and defense expertise,” Colombet said.
Highlighting the borderless nature of financial and cybercrimes, he stressed the necessity of international collaboration, recognizing EFCC’s crucial role in global security efforts.
Strengthening International Crime-Fighting Efforts
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and France in crime prevention and investigation.
“Nigeria and France share a history of cooperation in tackling financial crimes. We have worked together on asset tracing, and we are committed to further strengthening this relationship,” Olukoyede stated.
He underscored the need for joint efforts in combating cybercrime, money laundering, and other transnational financial offenses.
“With the borderless nature of financial and cybercrimes, global cooperation is essential. By working together, we can significantly reduce the chances of criminals finding safe havens anywhere in the world. Our primary duty is to disrupt these international crime syndicates,” he added.
Olukoyede also highlighted the impact of financial crimes on global security, linking them to civil unrest, arms trafficking, and terrorism.
“We appreciate the training and capacity-building opportunities. Unlike Europe, where digital records are easily accessible, investigations in Nigeria require extensive fieldwork. By integrating our practical expertise with France’s advanced technological tools, we can develop more effective crime-fighting strategies,” he noted.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The EFCC and France are committed to working together in:
- Strengthening asset tracking and recovery.
- Enhancing cybercrime investigation and prosecution.
- Providing security training and capacity building.
- Facilitating intelligence sharing and best practices.
This partnership is expected to play a significant role in combating financial and cybercrimes, maintaining global security, and preventing related offenses such as arms trafficking and terrorism.
