From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has called for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to combat cybercrime, terrorism, and other related crimes.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said the call came during a meeting between President Tinubu and FBI Director Christopher Asher Wray at the State House in Abuja.
President Tinubu stressed the importance of collaboration in eliminating crimes, noting that no single country can combat financial crimes in isolation. He also highlighted the need for the United States to support developing countries with the necessary technology and knowledge transfer to combat complex international crimes.
The President further emphasized the role of education in combating poverty, which is often seen as a driver of criminal activities. He noted that his administration has prioritized education as a tool against poverty and is working to eliminate terrorism, cybercrimes, and sextortion.
FBI Director, Wray praised President Tinubu for supporting the growing partnerships between various agencies of government and the FBI in order to protect the citizens of both countries.
He lauded the President’s vision in countering terrorism in the region, which is a dangerous threat not only to countries in the region but also to the United States.
He also appreciated the President’s support and collaboration on cyber-enabled crimes and sextortion, which has resulted in tragic deaths in the United States.
The FBI Director assured President Tinubu of the agency’s support in various areas, including counter-terrorism, cyber-enabled crimes, kidnapping, joint investigations, and intelligence sharing.
He noted the importance of the relationship between Nigeria and the United States, stating that it is a very important one.
Security chiefs who attended the meeting include the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi; the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd); Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Major-General Emmanuel Undiandeye; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major-General Adamu Laka.