馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
US Consulate and FBI seek enhanced collaboration with EFCC on sextortion and financial crimes
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The United States Consulate in Lagos and the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI have requested stronger information sharing with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to deepen collaboration against sextortion and other transnational financial crimes. This request was made during a visit by SSA James Smith, Assistant Law Enforcement Attach茅 of the US Consulate, and SSA Thomas Pepper of the FBI Cyber Division Headquarters, to ACE I Bawa Kaltungo, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2. US officials commended the EFCC's investigative effectiveness and sustained efforts in combating these crimes, with Smith stating the visit aimed to strengthen existing collaboration, particularly in information sharing. Kaltungo assured the delegation of the EFCC's continued cooperation. The engagement highlights the commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation against sextortion, cybercrime, and other transnational financial crimes. In April 2025, the FBI arrested 22 Nigerians allegedly involved in a financially motivated sextortion scheme linked to over 20 teen suicides in the United States since 2021. This was part of Operation Artemis, launched in 2023, targeting schemes where minors were coerced into sharing explicit photos and then extorted. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3 reported over 34,000 sextortion victims in 2023, rising to more than 54,000 last year, with financial losses totaling nearly $65 million over two years. From
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has identified poor environmental practices and illegal land reclamation as the primary causes of persistent flooding in Lagos. Speaking on Channels Television鈥檚 The Morning Brief, Bush-Alebiosu stated that indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal dredging, and unauthorized reclamation hinder efforts to manage flooding in the coastal state. He explained that illegal reclamation is often driven by commercial interests, while poor waste disposal stems from residents' attitudes. The Commissioner also highlighted the concerning practice of dumping human waste into the lagoon, warning of its environmental and public health consequences. Lagos has recently experienced widespread flooding following continuous rainfall, leading to disruptions in movement, property damage, and public criticism of the state government. Major roads frequently affected include Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho, Obalende, and sections of the Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Abeokuta, Apapa-Oshodi, and Lekki-Epe Expressways.
A Nigerian surrogate mother has spoken out about her journey into surrogacy, driven by financial difficulties and an irresponsible partner, particularly after the loss of her second child. In a YouTube episode on Cruise TV, she detailed the emotional, financial, and psychological aspects of carrying children for other families. She described surrogacy as one of her hardest decisions, highlighting the emotional attachment that develops during pregnancy despite knowing the child is not hers. She became a gestational surrogate through IVF, meaning she had no biological connection to the babies. Her partner's failure to provide for their family, coupled with her inability to work during her second pregnancy and the subsequent death of her baby due to complications, led her to this path. She initially declined financial compensation beyond medical care, accommodation, and allowances, a decision she now regrets. The surrogate mother stated she would not encourage her daughter to pursue surrogacy due to the emotional and health risks. She also mentioned relocating during a pregnancy to avoid stigma and often telling people the baby had died when questioned. She noted that surrogate mothers face psychological challenges even with counseling and called for stronger regulation of surrogacy to protect mothers from exploitation and ensure adequate support.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has released an updated step-by-step guide for Nigerians living abroad to renew their passports using its Contactless Passport Application System. The Service announced this update on its official X handle, encouraging diaspora Nigerians to utilize the digital platform. The process involves visiting the NIS Passport Application portal, creating an account, verifying identity with a National Identification Number and date of birth, completing the application form, choosing a processing embassy or high commission, uploading documents, and paying the passport fee. Applicants then obtain an Application ID and Reference Number, select the Contactless option, and download the NIS Mobile App to complete biometric enrolment, including facial image and fingerprint capture, and liveness verification. A contactless service fee is also required. The Service noted that not all applicants will qualify for the contactless process; ineligible applicants must book a physical appointment. Those who successfully complete contactless biometrics must print the application form, passport booklet payment, biometric payment, and current passport, and send these in a self-addressed return envelope to their selected processing embassy. Applicants can track their application status two weeks after submission via the NIS website or mobile app.