Olukoyede lauded for repositioning EFCC through prevention, asset recovery

A public affairs analyst, Chima Okoro, has commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for repositioning the anti-graft agency through reforms focused on prevention, asset recovery and institutional compliance.

Okoro, in a statement, said the EFCC under Olukoyede had evolved from a reactive law enforcement agency into a proactive institution driven by intelligence, policy reforms and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.

According to him, one of the defining achievements of the current leadership is the agency’s intensified crackdown on transnational cybercrime networks operating within and outside Nigeria.

ALSO READ: We are not in Ekiti to kill businesses but to help them grow — EFCC

He noted that intelligence-led operations by the Commission led to the arrest of nearly 200 foreign nationals, including citizens of China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Pakistan, allegedly linked to cross-border cybercrime activities.

The analyst also highlighted the EFCC’s efforts in combating sextortion and other technology-enabled crimes, describing them as evidence of the agency’s growing capacity to address emerging threats in the digital space.

He said the Commission’s efforts had attracted international recognition, with the United States Consulate and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly commending the EFCC for its role in tackling sextortion rings and transnational financial crimes.

According to Okoro, the commendations reflect growing confidence in the Commission’s ability to conduct joint investigations, support victims and share intelligence with international partners.

He further praised the EFCC’s asset recovery initiatives, noting that the Commission has increasingly focused on ensuring that recovered assets are deployed for public benefit.

Citing “Operation Eagle Flush,” Okoro said items recovered from a cybercrime syndicate, including 501 double-step bunk beds and 939 mattresses, were handed over to the Federal Ministry of Education for public use.

The analyst also linked the Commission’s asset tracing and anti-money laundering efforts to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing the development as a major boost for investor confidence and the country’s international reputation.

He added that the agency had recorded hundreds of billions of naira in recoveries, with recovered funds remitted to the Federal Government.

On policy reforms, Okoro said the EFCC had partnered with the Corporate Affairs Commission to enforce the registration of Point of Sale (PoS) operators nationwide as part of efforts to curb money laundering and the movement of illicit funds.

He also pointed to internal reforms aimed at strengthening public enlightenment, enhancing intelligence gathering and promoting compliance with e-procurement processes to reduce corruption in public institutions.

The analyst noted that Olukoyede’s leadership has earned both national and international recognition, including the BusinessDay Excellence in Public Service Award and the National Transformation Award.

He added that several EFCC personnel had also received certification from the FBI Cyber Division following joint operations and capacity-building programmes.

Okoro maintained that the reforms introduced under Olukoyede have strengthened the Commission’s capacity to prevent corruption, recover stolen assets and improve Nigeria’s standing in the global fight against financial crimes.

“The Commission is moving from chasing corruption after the fact to preventing it,” he said, adding that the EFCC’s evolving strategy is contributing to the restoration of Nigeria’s credibility on the international stage.