The United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Michael Gonzales, has explained that his recent visit to Nigeria was aimed at strengthening security cooperation between both countries, particularly in tackling cybercrime, romance scams and financially motivated sextortion.
Gonzales’ visit to Abuja coincided with Nigeria’s Cybercrime Awareness Week. During the visit, he held meetings with senior officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement by the US Mission in Nigeria on Monday, November 2, 2026, discussions focused on expanding joint efforts against cyber-enabled crimes that affect individuals and institutions in both countries.
The US official emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between American and Nigerian law enforcement agencies, noting that cybercriminal activities frequently cross international borders and require coordinated investigations and enforcement measures.
The statement highlighted the partnership between the EFCC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has facilitated 41 extraditions since 2022, including five completed in 2026.
It also disclosed that Nigeria extradited two alleged cybercriminals to the United States in August 2026. The individuals face charges in separate financially motivated sextortion cases involving American minors who died by suicide.
Gonzales commended the EFCC, the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for their contributions to investigations and extradition proceedings. He stressed the need to expand cooperation beyond individual cases to target criminal networks, financial infrastructure and those who facilitate cybercrime activities.
The US government also raised concerns about financially motivated sextortion, which involves criminals threatening to release intimate images or information unless victims provide money or other benefits.
According to the statement, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 50,000 reports of financially motivated sextortion in 2025, averaging approximately 137 reports daily. The FBI has identified Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, alongside Southeast Asia, among locations where some of the most prevalent sextortion networks have operated.
Romance scams were another major subject of discussion. The US Mission explained that such schemes exploit victims’ trust and emotional relationships, often resulting in significant financial losses, including the loss of life savings and retirement funds.
The statement also acknowledged the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre’s nationwide online-safety and cyber-hygiene campaign launched in March 2026. The campaign addresses threats such as romance scams, sextortion, phishing, identity theft and business email compromise.
Looking ahead, the United States identified stronger information sharing, faster conversion of cyber and financial intelligence into investigations, wider public awareness and improved investigative and prosecutorial capacity as key areas for continued cooperation.
The visit reflects ongoing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, as both countries seek to strengthen law enforcement responses to cybercrime and other cross-border criminal activities.
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