The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reinforced its strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in a renewed effort to curb terrorist financing and related crimes in the South-East region.
This renewed alliance was formalized on Tuesday, March 8, 2025, during a courtesy visit by Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I), Aisha Abubakar, Acting Zonal Director of the Enugu Zonal Command, to Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu.
Speaking during the visit, Abubakar emphasized the need for enhanced synergy, describing the Nigerian Army as a key stakeholder in the fight against economic and financial crimes, particularly terrorist financing.
“I am here with my team to seek continued and strengthened collaboration in addressing the rising challenge of terrorist financing, as well as economic and financial crimes, which affect virtually every individual and institution,” she stated. “Only recently, in a joint task force operation involving the Nigerian Army, DSS, and the Police, over 100 suspects were arrested in Abuja—highlighting the effectiveness of unified security efforts.”
Abubakar assured the GOC of the EFCC’s full support and willingness to partner on intelligence and operations. She also highlighted the Commission’s technical capacity. “Our Directorate is equipped with advanced forensic and analytical tools, particularly for financial crime investigations. We are ready to support your efforts with data analysis and forensic services whenever required,” she added.
In his response, Major General Olatoye pledged the Army’s unwavering support to the EFCC in combating criminal networks. “We are committed to partnering with you in addressing financial crimes and security threats. Whatever support you require—whether advisory or operational—please don’t hesitate to notify us. We are all working towards one goal: ensuring national security,” he said.
In a related development, the EFCC also secured the support of the Nigeria Immigration Service. During a separate courtesy visit on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Aisha Abubakar met with Comptroller of Immigration, Enugu State Command, CIS Nkechi Enobong Enete.
In her remarks, CIS Enete affirmed the Immigration Service’s dedication to collaborative efforts. “We recognize that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in isolation. Collaboration between agencies is essential for the country’s growth and security. On behalf of the Enugu Command, I assure you of our full cooperation. Wherever and whenever you need our support, we will be there,” she affirmed.
Earlier, Abubakar underscored the value of inter-agency cooperation in tackling the complex challenges of financial crimes and border-related offenses. “No agency can succeed in isolation. Our shared goal is the safety, unity, and progress of Nigeria. We have already worked closely with the Immigration Service in the monitoring and arrest of suspects at various entry and exit points, and we are eager to deepen this collaboration,” she said.
The EFCC’s renewed engagement with key security stakeholders in the South-East underscores its commitment to proactive and coordinated action in tackling terrorism financing and economic crimes, leveraging institutional partnerships for greater national impact.
