The Nigerian Army and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have renewed their commitment to jointly combating corruption and financial crimes in Edo State.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, affirmed the military’s support during a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate on Monday. Balogun, who recently assumed command of the Brigade in Benin City, stressed that the EFCC needed the backing of all Nigerians to effectively fulfil its anti-corruption mandate.
“The EFCC needs the support of every Nigerian given its role as the foremost anti-corruption agency in Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among security stakeholders, particularly in tracking illicit financial flows. “If we can detect the flow of funds, we can nip such crimes in the bud,” he added.
Balogun also noted the longstanding cooperation between the Army and the EFCC, covering personnel training, joint operations, and efforts against illegal oil bunkering. He described his visit as an opportunity to strengthen existing ties, stating, “It is not about competition but about collaboration. It doesn’t matter who kills the snake as long as the snake is killed.”
Responding, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Benin, Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, welcomed the visit and highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
“Synergy and collaboration are crucial as no single agency can effectively eliminate crimes and criminality in society,” he said.
Sa’ad reaffirmed the Army’s role as a key stakeholder in the anti-corruption effort, adding, “Our interest and your interest are the same — to have a better Nigeria — and we are willing to collaborate with you.”
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