The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, has called for stronger collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stressing that closer inter-agency cooperation is essential to combating crime and protecting national assets.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dennis Lesor Reuben, made the call yesterday when he led senior officers of the Corps on a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
Reuben, who was received by the Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1), Hassan Saidu, said the visit was part of deliberate efforts to strengthen operational relationships and ensure effective cooperation between the two agencies.
He said security agencies could not operate effectively in isolation, noting that regular interaction, exchange of ideas and mutual support were necessary to enhance their capacity to respond to emerging security challenges.
“We have decided to make out time from our very tight schedule to ensure that we meet security agencies that we cannot do without in the course of our duties. We must meet, share ideas, and support each other,” he said.
The commandant stressed the need for officers of both agencies, particularly those on the frontline, to develop stronger professional relationships that would facilitate information sharing and improve operational efficiency.
He also pledged the NSCDC’s support to the EFCC while requesting greater cooperation from the Commission, particularly in the areas of capacity building and joint training.
“Our doors are open for anything you think we can do to contribute to your service; please don’t hesitate to call upon us. We are also demanding your support, including capacity building and training, so that we can flow together,” Reuben added.
Responding, Saidu commended the NSCDC delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two agencies.
He said the partnership was particularly important in the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes, as well as the management and protection of assets recovered from suspected proceeds of crime.
“There is a strong bond between the NSCDC and the EFCC; you cannot talk about one without the other. Our work cannot be complete without the NSCDC,” he said.
Saidu specifically acknowledged the role of the NSCDC in securing assets recovered by the EFCC, including seized vessels and real estate properties, noting that such cooperation helps to preserve the assets pending successful forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He further reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to sustained inter-agency training and cooperation, describing unity among security and law-enforcement agencies as critical to strengthening national security and promoting development in Rivers State and Nigeria.
The meeting underscored the importance of closer collaboration between the two agencies in confronting financial crimes, protecting recovered assets and strengthening the overall security architecture of the state.