Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said it is strengthening efforts to combat financial crimes linked to terrorism financing and illegal mining, with renewed support from international partners.
The commission disclosed this in a statement published on its official platform, noting that it is deepening cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government of Canada to enhance its operational capacity in both sectors.
According to the EFCC, the development was discussed during a meeting held at its headquarters in Abuja, where representatives from the UN agency and Canada’s counter-terrorism programme met with the commission’s leadership to explore additional areas of collaboration.
The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, represented by his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe, expressed appreciation for the continued support from both UNODC and the Canadian government, describing the partnership as valuable in strengthening enforcement efforts.
He noted that recent collaborations have contributed to improved outcomes in investigations and prosecutions, particularly in areas relating to terrorism financing and illegal mining.
Olukoyede stated that the commission has recorded several convictions across its operational commands, stressing that both issues remain key priorities in its anti-graft campaign.
He also warned that criminal networks are constantly changing their methods, adding that law enforcement agencies must continuously upgrade their capacity and tools to remain effective.
“At our level, a lot has been done in-house, especially as it relates to terrorism financing, illegal mining and money laundering,” he said.
The EFCC Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, also disclosed that operations against illegal mining have been intensified in recent months, leading to increased arrests and ongoing prosecutions.
Officials from the UNODC said their visit was aimed at exploring deeper cooperation with the EFCC, particularly through existing technical frameworks designed to address transnational organised crimes.
The agency maintained that the strengthened partnerships are expected to improve coordination and boost Nigeria’s response to financial crimes affecting national security and economic stability.
