The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strengthened collaboration with security agencies in Kwara State to tackle illegal mining, corruption and terrorism financing.
The Zonal Director, Victoria Ugo-Ali, paid 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, in Ilorin.
Kano Times gathered that the visits were aimed at enhancing inter-agency cooperation to combat illegal mining, banditry and related financial crimes in the state and neighbouring areas.
Speaking during her meeting with the Army Commandant, Ugo-Ali described illegal mining as a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
According to her, illicit mining activities are largely perpetrated by organised criminal networks that evade regulatory oversight and deprive the country of vital revenue.
She called for improved intelligence sharing, joint field operations and strengthened security around mining sites to curb the menace.
The EFCC boss also highlighted the link between illegal mining and terrorism financing, noting that proceeds from unlawful mineral extraction are sometimes used to fund violent and extremist activities.
She stressed that disrupting such financial flows remains central to the EFCC’s mandate, adding that strong collaboration with the military is critical to dismantling entrenched criminal networks.
Responding, Brigadier General Rume commended the anti-graft agency for its proactive approach and pledged the Brigade’s readiness to support efforts aimed at tackling economic crimes within its operational jurisdiction.
At the DSS headquarters, Ugo-Ali emphasised the need for intelligence-driven operations in addressing corruption, economic crimes and the rising threat of banditry in parts of Kwara and neighbouring states.
She noted that corruption and illicit financial dealings often serve as enablers of insecurity by providing funding channels for bandit groups and extremist elements.
“Cutting off these financial lifelines through joint investigations and coordinated enforcement will significantly weaken criminal networks,” she said.
In his remarks, Oganwu assured the EFCC of the DSS’s commitment to sustained collaboration.
He maintained that the fight against corruption, banditry and terrorism financing requires a united front among security agencies and pledged actionable intelligence to ensure effective enforcement and lasting peace.
