The Acting Area Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Cross River State Area Command, DC Nkeiru Ijeoma Nwala has emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, particularly in addressing economic and financial crimes linked to revenue fraud, trade-related offences, and other suspicious financial transactions.
She noted that the Customs Service’s operational responsibilities include revenue protection, enforcing trade regulations, and monitoring import and export procedures, which, according to her, sometimes intersect with matters that require intervention from other law enforcement agencies.
She then stressed the need for effective information sharing, timely referrals, and inter-agency cooperation to ensure that such cases receive appropriate attention.
She expressed confidence that a stronger partnership between the two organizations would help protect government revenue and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.
In his response, Uyo Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Oshodi Johnson welcomed the delegation and commended the initiative to strengthen the existing relationship between the two agencies.
He emphasized that combating economic and financial crimes and protecting public resources required a collective effort. He noted that government revenue was essential for national development and public services, and stressed the need for both institutions to work together to prevent diversion and misuse.
He called for sustained cooperation through intelligence sharing, prompt communication, and mutual support in investigations and other enforcement activities.
He further encouraged officers from both agencies to maintain open communication channels and avoid unnecessary bureaucratic delays when urgent collaboration is required. He assured the delegation of the Commission’s readiness to work with the Customs Service whenever needed. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency relations in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
“No single agency could effectively discharge these responsibilities in isolation. For instance, people still impersonate government agencies and officials and defraud innocent citizens under that guise. They put up fake auction adverts with names and photographs of your officers for exploitation. They also use fake petitions to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, and you need to do more to caution the public against falling victim to fraudulent online advertisements for government auctions and never to pay money into individual accounts,” said Oshodi.
In a related development, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, led by the group’s Commander, Mr. Joshua M. Dickson, visited the Commission’s office in Akwa Ibom State to discuss strategies for effective intelligence sharing and support in tackling financial crimes at the grassroots level.
Dickson expressed readiness to leverage the Vigilante Group’s large network in local Communities to assist the EFCC with surveillance and information gathering. He commended the Commission for its efforts in combating crime in the country. He added that the visit was aimed to establish a working relationship with the EFCC and identify areas where the group could provide support.
He further stated that the group was undergoing reforms in line with the President’s directive and emphasized the importance of synergy between the two organizations. He assured the Commission of the group’s readiness to provide relevant information and assistance whenever necessary.
In response, Johnson commended the group’s commitment to national service and encouraged the younger members to learn from their experienced senior colleagues.
He emphasized the importance of sharing intelligence in combating economic and financial crimes, and urged members to promptly report suspicious activities, particularly unexplained lifestyle changes that could indicate questionable sources of wealth. He noted that timely, credible information is essential to the Commission’s efforts to safeguard public resources and promote accountability.
He added that although completely eradicating crime might be challenging, concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders could significantly reduce its occurrence. He then assured the group of the Commission’s willingness to collaborate with them.
The visits underscore a shared resolve among security and law enforcement agencies to share intelligence in the ongoing battle against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.