The Nigerian Army and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reaffirmed their joint commitment to combating corruption and other financial crimes in Edo State,
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Tuesday, in Abuja.
Oyewale said that the new Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen A. O. Balogun, pledged the Army’s support for the EFCC during a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission, on Monday.
He quoted Balogun as saying that the EFCC required the backing of all Nigerians to effectively deliver on its mandate as the country’s foremost anti-corruption agency.
“The EFCC needs the support of every Nigerian, given its role as the foremost anti-corruption agency in Nigeria.”
According to Oyewale, Balogun noted that cooperation from key stakeholders was critical to disrupting financial crimes, particularly through monitoring illicit fund movements.
“If we can detect the flow of funds, we can nip such crimes in the bud,” the brigade commander is quoted as saying.
Oyewale said that the army chief also highlighted the long-standing relationship between the military and the anti-graft agency, covering personnel training, the fight against illegal oil bunkering and other joint operations.
“One of the reasons for our visit is to familiarise ourselves with the leadership of the Commission so that we can build on the existing relationships between the two institutions.
“It is not about competition but about collaboration. It doesn’t matter who kills the snake as much as the snake is killed,” Balogun is quoted as saying, assuring that the military was ready to provide support to the Commission whenever required.
Oyewale said that the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Benin, Deputy Commander of the Commission, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, appreciated the visit, describing synergy between security agencies as essential in tackling crime.
“Synergy and collaboration are crucial as no single agency or institution can effectively eliminate crimes and criminality in the society,” he quotes Sa’ad as saying.
According to him, Sa’ad described the Nigerian Army as a critical stakeholder in the anti-corruption fight.
“We build synergy and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, and the Nigeria Army is a critical stakeholder.
“Our interest and your interest are the same, which is to have a better Nigeria, and so we are willing to collaborate with you,” Sa’ad is quoted as saying.
