By Francis Wilfred
The new Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, ACE I Victoria Ugo-Ali, has embarked on strategic courtesy visits to the Commandant of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, and the Kwara State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Michael Oganwu.
The visits were aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration to combat corruption, illegal mining, banditry, and terrorism financing within Kwara State and its environs.
During the 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.
The Zonal Director further highlighted the nexus between illegal mining and terrorism financing, explaining that proceeds from unlawful mineral extraction are frequently channeled into funding violent and extremist activities. She stressed that disrupting these financial flows is central to the EFCC’s mandate and requires robust military collaboration to dismantle entrenched criminal structures.
Responding, Brigadier General Rume commended the EFCC’s proactive approach and reaffirmed the Brigade’s readiness to support anti-corruption initiatives. He pledged continued cooperation through joint task operations, timely intelligence exchange, and coordinated capacity-building programs.
At the DSS Office, Ugo-Ali underscored the importance of intelligence-driven collaboration in tackling the growing threat of banditry. She observed that corruption and illicit financial activities serve as enablers of insecurity, providing funding streams for bandit groups.
State Director Michael Oganwu assured the EFCC of the DSS’s unwavering support, noting that the fight against economic crimes and terrorism financing demands a united front. He pledged actionable intelligence and strategic collaboration to ensure effective enforcement and sustainable peace in the region.
