To combat illicit financial flows and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s impending general elections, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kano Zonal Directorate and Aviation Security (AVSEC) have committed to strengthening cooperation in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.
Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity at the EFCC, made this announcement on Tuesday.
Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano, received a formal commitment from Aliyu Yahuza Abdullahi, the recently appointed Chief of Aviation Security at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, during a courtesy visit.
Abdullahi pledged a “new vista of cooperation” to dismantle syndicates that use the aviation industry for illicit financial operations and guaranteed the Commission of AVSEC of his complete support.
He underlined the importance of intelligence sharing, claiming that it would improve joint operations’ efficacy and protect airport operations.
Additionally, the AVSEC chairman asked the EFCC to give advance notification of any scheduled airport operations.
According to Abdullahi, “advance notification will enable us to deploy resources efficiently and support EFCC operatives seamlessly in the field.”
Ebelo responded by praising the commitment to greater cooperation and emphasizing the importance of being watchful, particularly when it comes to the transfer of substantial amounts of money through the airport.
He emphasized that dishonest players can utilize illegal funds to sway the political process as general elections get near.
In order to prevent economic saboteurs and shield Nigeria’s democracy from the damaging consequences of illicit financial flows, Ebelo urged the security services to take the initiative to intercept cash meant for illegal purposes.
As authorities step up efforts to prevent financial crimes and guarantee transparent voting procedures, the renewed agreement highlights the vital importance of inter-agency coordination at major points of entry.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Victoria Ugo-Ali, the newly appointed Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ilorin Zonal Directorate, made strategic courtesy visits to Michael Oganwu, the Kwara State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Nicholas Rume, the Commandant of the 22 Armoured Brigade.
The trips were intended to improve interagency cooperation in the fight against terrorism financing, banditry, illicit mining, and corruption in Kwara State and its surrounding areas.
Ugo-Ali described unlawful mining as a serious danger to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security and underlined the urgent need for coordinated efforts to confront it during her meeting with the Army Commandant.
She pointed out that organized crime networks frequently spearhead unlawful mining operations, which circumvent regulatory regulations and rob the country of vital revenue.
To combat the threat, she urged increased intelligence sharing, cooperative field operations, and better mining site security.
The Zonal Director went on to emphasize the connection between financing terrorism and illicit mining, stating that money obtained from illicit mineral extraction is occasionally used to support extremist and violent actions.
She emphasized that stopping these financial flows is still essential to the EFCC’s mission and that strong military cooperation is needed to destroy long-standing criminal networks.
Brigadier General Rume responded by praising the EFCC’s proactive attitude and reiterating the Brigade’s willingness to assist activities aimed at combating economic crime and corruption within its operational authority.
In order to improve operational effectiveness and prevent economic sabotage, he promised to maintain collaboration through coordinated capacity-building initiatives, prompt intelligence sharing, and joint task operations.
Ugo-Ali emphasized at the DSS headquarters the value of intelligence-driven cooperation in combating economic crimes, corruption, and the increasing threat of banditry in some areas of Kwara and neighboring states.
She noted that illegal financial activity and corruption frequently operate as facilitators of insecurity by giving extremist elements and bandit groups a source of revenue.
According to her, criminal networks would be considerably weakened if these financial lifelines were cut off by coordinated investigations and targeted enforcement.
In response, Oganwu reassured the EFCC of the DSS’s steadfast cooperation, pointing out that security agencies must work together to combat corruption, banditry, and the funding of terrorism.
In order to guarantee efficient enforcement and long-lasting peace, he promised strategic cooperation and actionable intelligence.
