Stolen Vehicle Trafficking : Canada Honours EFCC Boss For Outstanding Role In Global Crime Fight

Canada honours EFCC boss for his outstanding contributions to the global fight against transnational crime.

Canada particularly cited “Operation Hot Wheels”, a joint operation that has disrupted a major vehicle trafficking network.

The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has honoured the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, with a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding contributions to the global fight against transnational crime.

The Certificate was presented by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, during a ceremony held at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Salvaggio commended Olukoyede’s leadership and the EFCC’s pivotal role in curbing organised criminal networks operating across borders.

“Your tireless efforts in combating transnational crime, financial fraud, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation and drug smuggling have been instrumental in strengthening security and justice across our borders” he said.

“Since the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), liaison office in Nigeria in 2021, our partnership with Nigerian law enforcement agencies has grown through vital intelligence exchanges, operational support, joint investigations and capacity building initiatives.”

He noted that the RCMP’s presence in Nigeria has facilitated stronger collaboration, resulting in tangible outcomes such as asset recovery, financial restitution and dismantling of cross-border criminal syndicates.

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“The RCMP’s partnership with the EFCC has led to the recovery and handover of stolen assets and financial institutions, setting a benchmark for international anti-fraud operations,” he said.

Salvaggio particularly cited “Operation Hot Wheels”, a joint operation spearheaded by the EFCC with the participation of the Nigeria Customs Service, which has disrupted a major vehicle trafficking network and reinforced bilateral security ties.

In his remarks after receiving the certificate, Olukoyede expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to international cooperation.

Olukoyede acknowledged the global nature of organised crime, stressing that the only way to effectively counter it is through equally strategic international alliances.

“The kind of crime we fight today has become global in nature. You’ll be shocked at how sophisticated these criminal enterprises are. It therefore requires countries to also form their own syndicates in order to nip it in the bud,” he said

He pledged the EFCC’s readiness to take the partnership with Canada and the RCMP to greater heights.

“We are open to more mutually beneficial relationships between our countries. We believe that by the time we take this collaboration to the next level, we will see even more remarkable results,” he said.

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