President Bola Tinubu has firmly stated that his administration is fully committed to combatting internet and cybercrimes, declaring that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven or hub for online fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Boys,” targeting Americans and other foreign nationals.
Speaking through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the president commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its professionalism, dedication, and vital role in the extradition of two Lagos-based internet fraudsters, Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, which took place in August 2026. President Tinubu emphasized that his administration provides absolute support to law enforcement and anti-graft agencies to ensure that criminals who exploit innocent individuals, whether domestically or internationally, are relentlessly pursued and brought before the law.
According to the president, actions such as the extradition of the suspects highlight the government’s broader efforts to reinforce financial integrity, restore global trust in the nation’s systems, and foster a safe and secure economic environment where legitimate enterprises and investments can comfortably thrive. He noted that the success of the country’s anti-corruption campaign is measured by tangible results rather than mere publicity, stressing that strengthening institutional performance, utilizing effective law enforcement strategies, and maintaining strong international cooperation are crucial to holding perpetrators accountable.
This declaration follows closely on the heels of an announcement by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding a global crackdown on cybercriminal networks. The FBI reported the arrest of nine Nigerian suspects under “Operation Blackout,” an international effort aimed at curbing illicit networks stealing billions from Americans, which also resulted in the seizure of 53 electronic devices and the identification of approximately $11 million in potentially freezable funds across multiple global jurisdictions.