In order to combat illegal 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 promised to strengthen cooperation in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.
Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC, made a statement on Tuesday that included this information.
Aliyu Yahuza Abdullahi, the recently appointed Chief of Aviation Security at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, made the formal promise to Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Kano, during a courtesy visit.
Abdullahi pledged a “new vista of cooperation” to dismantle syndicates that take advantage of the aviation industry for illicit financial operations and guaranteed the Commission of AVSEC of his complete support.
He underlined the importance of sharing intelligence, claiming that doing so would protect airport operations and increase the efficacy of joint operations.
Additionally, the head of AVSEC asked that the EFCC notify the airport in advance of any planned activities.
“We will be able to deploy resources effectively and support EFCC operatives in the field with ease thanks to advance notification,” Abdullahi said.
Ebelo responded by praising the commitment to tighter cooperation and emphasizing the importance of being vigilant, particularly when it comes to the transfer of substantial amounts of money through the airport.
He emphasized that as general elections draw near, dishonest people may utilize illegal funds to sway the democratic process.
Ebelo urged all security services to take the initiative to seize money meant for illegal activities, pointing out that concerted measures would discourage economic saboteurs and shield Nigeria’s democracy from the damaging impacts of illegal financial flows.
As authorities step up efforts to prevent financial crimes and guarantee transparent voting procedures, the renewed relationship highlights the crucial role of inter-agency coordination at key 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.
In order to fight corruption, illicit mining, banditry, and terrorism financing in Kwara State and its surrounding areas, the trips were intended to improve interagency cooperation.
Ugo-Ali described illegal mining as a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security during her discussion with the Army Commandant, emphasizing the urgent necessity for coordinated efforts to confront it.
She pointed out that organized crime networks frequently spearhead unlawful mining operations, which circumvent regulatory restrictions and rob the country of vital revenue.
To stop the threat, she advocated for better mining site protection, cooperative field activities, and increased intelligence sharing.
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 finance extreme and violent actions.
She emphasized that stopping such financial transfers 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 purview.
In order to improve operational effectiveness and discourage economic sabotage, he promised ongoing collaboration through cooperative task operations, prompt intelligence sharing, and coordinated capacity-building initiatives.
Ugo-Ali emphasized the value of intelligence-driven cooperation in combating economic crimes, corruption, and the growing menace of banditry in some areas of Kwara and neighboring states at the DSS headquarters.
She noted that illegal financial activity and corruption frequently act as catalysts for insecurity by giving extremist elements and bandit groups access to funding.
Cutting off these financial lifelines by coordinated investigations and strategic enforcement, in her opinion, would severely undermine criminal networks.
Oganwu responded by assuring the EFCC of the DSS’s steadfast cooperation and pointing out that security agencies must work together to combat corruption, banditry, and terrorism financing.
He promised strategic cooperation and actionable intelligence to guarantee efficient enforcement and long-lasting peace.
