. As EFCC deepens collaboration with Army, DSS to tackle illegal mining, banditry, terrorism financing in Kwara
Blessing Omale, Abuja and Gbenga Olarinoye, Ilorin
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kano Zonal Directorate and Aviation Security (AVSEC) have pledged to deepen collaboration in intelligence sharing and operational coordination to combat illicit financial flows and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s upcoming general elections.
This was contained in a statement by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC on Tuesday.
The commitment was formalised during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Chief of Aviation Security at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Aliyu Yahuza Abdullahi, to the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Kano, Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo.
Abdullahi assured the Commission of AVSEC’s full support and promised a “new vista of cooperation” aimed at dismantling syndicates that exploit the aviation sector for illegal financial activities.
He emphasized the critical role of intelligence sharing, saying it would enhance the effectiveness of joint operations and safeguard airport operations.
The AVSEC chief also requested that the EFCC provide prior notice of planned operations at the airport.
“Advance notification will enable us to deploy resources efficiently and support EFCC operatives seamlessly in the field,” Abdullahi stated.
In his response, Ebelo welcomed the pledge for closer collaboration, stressing the need for vigilance, especially regarding the movement of large sums of cash through the airport.
He highlighted that with general elections approaching, illicit money could be used by unscrupulous actors to influence the democratic process.
Ebelo called on all security agencies to be proactive in intercepting funds intended for unlawful purposes, noting that coordinated efforts would deter economic saboteurs and protect Nigeria’s democracy from the corrosive effects of illicit financial flows.
The renewed partnership underscores the critical role of inter-agency cooperation at key points of entry as authorities intensify efforts to prevent financial crimes and ensure transparent electoral processes.
Meanwhile, the new Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Directorate, Victoria Ugo-Ali, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, embarked on strategic courtesy visits to the Commandant of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nicholas Rume, and the Kwara State Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, Michael Oganwu, in Ilorin.
The visits were aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration to combat corruption, illegal mining, banditry, and terrorism financing in Kwara State and its environs.
During her meeting with the Army Commandant, Ugo-Ali emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address illegal mining, describing it as a major threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
She noted that illicit mining operations are often driven by organized criminal networks that evade regulatory controls and deprive the nation of critical revenue.
She called for enhanced intelligence sharing, joint field operations, and improved protection of mining sites to curb the menace.
The Zonal Director further highlighted the nexus between illegal mining and terrorism financing, explaining that proceeds from unlawful mineral extraction are sometimes channeled into funding violent and extremist activities.
She stressed that disrupting such financial flows remains central to the EFCC’s mandate and requires robust military collaboration to dismantle entrenched criminal structures.
In his response, Brigadier General Rume commended the EFCC’s proactive approach and reaffirmed the Brigade’s readiness to support anti-corruption and economic crime initiatives within its operational jurisdiction.
He pledged continued cooperation through joint task operations, timely intelligence exchange, and coordinated capacity-building programmes to enhance operational efficiency and deter economic sabotage.
At the DSS headquarters, Ugo-Ali underscored the importance of intelligence-driven collaboration in tackling corruption, economic crimes, and the growing threat of banditry in parts of Kwara and neighbouring states.
She observed that corruption and illicit financial activities often serve as enablers of insecurity, providing funding streams for bandit groups and extremist elements.
According to her, cutting off these financial lifelines through joint investigations and strategic enforcement would significantly weaken criminal networks.
Responding, Oganwu assured the EFCC of the DSS’s unwavering support, noting that the fight against corruption, banditry, and terrorism financing demands a united front among security agencies.
He pledged actionable intelligence and strategic collaboration to ensure effective enforcement and sustainable peace.
