The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a strengthened partnership with the French government to enhance efforts in asset tracking, cybercrime investigations, and security training in Nigeria. This agreement was formalized during a meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Lieutenant General Régis Colombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, led the French delegation and met with EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede. The collaboration shows the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border financial crimes and cyber threats.
During the meeting, Colombet highlighted France’s extensive efforts in regional security, including the establishment of specialized training centers. He pointed to initiatives such as the Cyber School in Dakar, Senegal, which provides training on cyber investigations, ransomware threats, and asset tracking. Additionally, he referenced an academy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, focused on counterterrorism training.
“In our cooperation, we prioritize developing academic centers and training hubs, particularly in cyber investigations and security threats,” Colombet said. “Since crime knows no borders, international collaboration is essential, and the EFCC’s role in combating financial and cybercrimes is crucial to our collective security efforts.”
Colombet also noted that this visit builds on a strategic meeting held in December 2024 aimed at deepening Nigeria-France security ties. The partnership extends beyond cybercrime to include cybersecurity, civil defense, and broader security concerns.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede welcomed the renewed partnership, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France in combating crime. He stressed the need for joint efforts to address transnational financial offenses such as money laundering and cybercrimes.
“Nigeria and France have a long history of collaboration in crime prevention and investigation,” Olukoyede stated. “Given the borderless nature of financial and cybercrimes, international cooperation is crucial in curbing these offenses.”
Olukoyede cited a recent success story where an international criminal syndicate operating across Europe and Asia was dismantled before it could establish operations in Nigeria. He noted that some victims of this syndicate were based in France, further underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration.
The EFCC chairman also highlighted the differences between investigative approaches in Nigeria and Europe. While European agencies often rely on digital tools for immediate access to records, Nigerian investigations frequently require extensive fieldwork. He expressed optimism that combining Nigeria’s practical expertise with France’s advanced technological tools would create a more effective strategy for combating crime.
“We appreciate the opportunities for training and capacity building,” Olukoyede added. “By working together, we can significantly reduce the chances of criminals finding safe havens anywhere in the world.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to tackling financial crimes linked to arms trafficking, terrorism, and civil unrest. Both parties emphasized that international cooperation is vital for global security.
This collaboration marks another step forward in addressing modern security challenges through technology-driven solutions and cross-border partnerships
