The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) to tackle illegal mining, corruption, and terrorism financing in Kwara State and surrounding areas.
The initiative followed strategic courtesy visits on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, by the new Zonal Director of EFCC Ilorin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander Victoria Ugo-Ali, to the Commandant of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nicholas Rume, and the Kwara State Director of DSS, Michael Oganwu, in Ilorin.
During her meeting with the Army Commandant, Ugo-Ali stressed the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address illegal mining, describing it as a significant threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security. She noted that proceeds from illicit mining often fund organized criminal networks and, in some cases, terrorism financing, calling for enhanced intelligence sharing, joint field operations, and improved protection of mining sites.
Brigadier General Rume commended the EFCC’s proactive approach and reaffirmed the Brigade’s readiness to support anti-corruption and economic crime initiatives. He pledged continued cooperation through joint task operations, timely intelligence exchange, and coordinated capacity-building programmes.
At the DSS headquarters, Ugo-Ali highlighted the critical role of intelligence-driven collaboration in combating corruption, economic crimes, and the growing threat of banditry. She emphasized that illicit financial flows often sustain criminal networks and extremist elements, stressing that cutting off these funds is central to the EFCC’s mandate.
In response, Director Oganwu assured the EFCC of DSS’s unwavering support, pledging actionable intelligence and strategic collaboration to enhance enforcement and promote sustainable peace in the region.
Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, Dele Oyewale, stated that the visits underscore the EFCC’s commitment to a multi-agency approach in dismantling entrenched criminal networks, safeguarding national resources, and protecting the economic and security interests of Kwara State and its environs.
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