The United States Consulate in Lagos and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have called for stronger information sharing with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance efforts against sextortion, cybercrime and other transnational financial crimes.
Gatekeepers News reports that the appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the U.S. Consulate, SSA James Smith, and SSA Thomas Pepper of the FBI Cyber Division Headquarters to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Kaltungo.
The EFCC disclosed the development in a statement posted on its X account on Tuesday.
During the meeting, held on Monday, the U.S. officials commended the commission for its investigative effectiveness and sustained efforts in tackling sextortion and other cross-border financial crimes.
Speaking during the engagement, Smith said the visit was intended to strengthen the existing partnership between the U.S. Consulate and the EFCC, particularly in the area of intelligence and information sharing.
“The visit aimed to strengthen the existing collaboration between the U.S. Consulate and the Commission, particularly in the area of information sharing in combating criminal activities involving both Nigerians and foreigners,” he said.
In his response, Kaltungo appreciated the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to continued collaboration.
“I thank you for the visit and assure you of our utmost cooperation where necessary,” he said.
According to the EFCC, the meeting underscored the commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation in the fight against sextortion, cybercrime and other transnational financial crimes.
The renewed partnership comes amid heightened efforts to dismantle international sextortion networks. In April 2025, the FBI arrested 22 Nigerians allegedly linked to a financially motivated sextortion scheme that authorities say has been associated with more than 20 teenage suicides in the United States since 2021.
