In a significant move to combat immigration fraud and safeguard Nigeria’s reputation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has established a dedicated Immigration Fraud Section in several of its commands nationwide. This announcement was made by the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, during a visit from a delegation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) led by Superintendent Rabhi Abdallah at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede explained that the new section, operational for just two weeks, was created in response to the rising cases of immigration-related fraud. The EFCC aims to protect Nigerians and international diplomatic missions from scams related to visas and immigration.
“In addition to our efforts in the foreign exchange market, we’ve recently set up an Immigration Fraud Section,” Olukoyede stated. “These units are established in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and other zonal commands where we have embassies, to address the significant fraud occurring in this sector. We are committed to dedicating resources and attention to prevent Nigerians and diplomatic missions from becoming victims of these scams.”
During the meeting, Superintendent Abdallah highlighted the RCMP’s interest in exploring collaborative efforts with the EFCC. He mentioned the possibility of deploying Canadian law enforcement officers to work alongside the EFCC in joint operations and investigations, which would benefit not only Nigeria but the broader West African region.
Abdallah emphasized, “Our department works in partnership with government agencies, and we have been deploying Canadian law enforcement officers globally for over 30 years. We aim to support stability and global security by collaborating on specialized investigations. We hope to strengthen our partnership with the EFCC and enhance our joint efforts in advancing regional security.”
Robert Aboumitri, a Senior Intelligence Analyst with the RCMP, praised the EFCC for its professionalism and effectiveness. He stated, “Since the establishment of the RCMP’s partnership in 2021, the EFCC has been our most effective partner in Nigeria. The Commission’s professionalism, knowledge, and commitment to continuous learning have led to numerous successful investigations.”
In response, Olukoyede expressed gratitude to the RCMP delegation for choosing the EFCC as a partner. He assured the RCMP of the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate, beginning with the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the relationship.
“We are excited about this partnership and the support it brings to Nigeria and the region,” Olukoyede said. “The EFCC, with over two decades of experience, remains open to collaboration with local and international law enforcement agencies. We are committed to enhancing our capacity and delivering on our mandate to fight corruption and fraud.”
The EFCC Chairman concluded by emphasizing the Commission’s ongoing commitment to excellence and its status as a leading anti-corruption agency in Africa, known for its capacity, professionalism, and effective collaboration with global partners.
