…as Army pledges improved relations with Commission
The Maiduguri Zonal Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Onwukwe C. Obiora, has called for collaboration between the Commission and the Nigerian Army, NA, in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing in the Northeast.
He stressed the need for collaboration Thursday, 6 May, during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Ka, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Mr. Obiora stated the enormous role played by the Theatre Command, as a very critical stakeholder in the fight against corruption.
Hence, it is necessary and important for the Nigerian Army to “join hands with us to end insurgency in Nigeria by identifying and cutting off the source of financing for the insurgents”, he said.
He informed that the Commission, in fulfilling her mandate, now ensures that there is no movement of cash by Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, across the local governments in Borno, Yobe and some parts of Adamawa States without approval by the Zonal Office.
He further said that if sponsors of insurgency and kidnapping were cut off, the fight will be worn by the Theatre Command.
Obiora appealed to the Command to report suspected illicit funds linked to NGOs or individuals to the Commission.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Major General F. Yahaya, pledged the Command’s support to the EFCC.
According to him, the Army will help the Commission in identifying and reporting the bad eggs amongst NGOs, Bureau de change operators and other local contractors with the aim of stopping money laundering and terrorists financing in the Northeast.
In a related development, the Army has pledged to improve the existing relationship between it and the EFCC.
The Commander, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Kano, Brigadier General S. Nicodemus made the pledge Thursday, 6 May, when he visited the Kano Zonal Office of the Commission.
Brig. Gen. Nicodemus, who assumed command of the Brigade on April 23, 2021, said the visit was to cement the existing relationship between the Army and the Agency.
He disclosed that he was briefed by his predecessor of the cordial relationship that exists between the Brigade and the EFCC and urged the Zonal Head to uphold the relationship.
The Commission’s Kano Zonal Head, Mualledi Dogondaji, in his response, assured Gen Nicodemus of enhanced relationship and support, adding that the doors of the Commission were open to the Nigerian Army.
