The United States Consulate in Lagos and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have called for enhanced intelligence sharing with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against sextortion and other transnational financial crimes.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché at the U.S. Consulate, James Smith, alongside Thomas Pepper, to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Bawa Kaltungo.

According to a statement shared by the EFCC on its X account on Tuesday, the meeting, held on Monday, focused on expanding existing cooperation between both sides, particularly through improved information exchange to address crimes involving Nigerians and foreign nationals.

During the engagement, the U.S. delegation also praised the EFCC for its investigative achievements and sustained efforts in tackling sextortion and other cross-border financial crimes.

Smith explained that the visit was intended to reinforce the partnership between the U.S. Consulate and the anti-graft agency, with greater collaboration in intelligence sharing identified as a key priority in combating transnational criminal activities.

In his response, Kaltungo expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to continue working closely with the U.S. authorities whenever required.

The EFCC said the meeting reflects the shared commitment of Nigeria and the United States to strengthening cooperation in the fight against sextortion, cybercrime and other transnational financial offences.

The renewed collaboration comes months after the FBI announced the arrest of 22 Nigerians in April 2025 over an alleged financially motivated sextortion network linked to more than 20 teenage suicides in the United States since 2021.

(Photo Credit: EFCC)