Nigeria Strengthens Cybercrime and Asset Recovery Cooperation with France

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reinforcing its collaboration with the French government to enhance asset tracking, cybercrime investigations, and security training in Nigeria.

This agreement was reached on March 4, 2025, when Lieutenant General Régis Colombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, met with EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede in Abuja.

Expanding Security Collaboration Colombet emphasized France’s commitment to security cooperation, particularly in establishing academic and training centers focused on crime investigation. He highlighted initiatives such as the Cyber School in Dakar, Senegal, which trains personnel on cyber threats and financial crimes, and a counterterrorism academy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

“In our cooperation, we prioritize developing academic centers and training hubs, particularly in cyber investigations and security threats. We offer training opportunities, including specialized courses in France, to enhance expertise in security and defense. 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 stated.

The visit follows a December 2024 strategic meeting aimed at improving Nigeria-France security collaboration, covering cybersecurity, financial crimes, and broader security initiatives.

Olukoyede reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation in crime prevention. “Nigeria and France have a long history of collaboration in crime prevention and investigation. We have successfully worked together in asset tracing, and we are committed to strengthening that relationship further.”

He noted that the EFCC recently helped dismantle an international syndicate operating across Europe and Asia, with connections in France, underscoring the need for continued global cooperation.

Olukoyede also stressed the importance of technology in modern crime-fighting efforts. “Crime detection and investigation in Nigeria differ significantly from Europe. While European law enforcement agencies can access digital records at the push of a button, our investigations often require extensive fieldwork. By combining our practical expertise with France’s advanced technological tools, we can develop a more effective crime-fighting strategy.”