Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is stepping up efforts to combat terrorism financing and illegal mining, with renewed support from international partners.
The commission disclosed this in a statement shared on its official platform, noting that it is expanding collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government of Canada. The move is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to financial crimes that threaten national security and economic stability.
The development follows a high-level meeting held at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where representatives of UNODC and Canada’s counter-terrorism programme met with the agency’s leadership to discuss new areas of cooperation.
The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Commander Michael Nzekwe, expressed appreciation for the support received from international partners over the years.
“I appreciate strongly the support that has been coming from UNODC and from the Canadian Government,” he said.
Olukoyede noted that the partnership has already contributed to improved enforcement outcomes, particularly in tackling complex financial crimes. He said the EFCC has recorded a number of convictions in cases related to terrorism financing and illegal mining across different parts of the country.
Terrorism financing remains a major concern for Nigeria, especially in the North-East, where insurgent groups have operated for years. These groups rely on various funding sources, including illegal trade, ransom payments, and money laundering, to sustain their activities.
By targeting financial networks, authorities aim to weaken these groups and reduce their ability to carry out attacks. Experts say cutting off funding is one of the most effective ways to combat terrorism.
Illegal mining is another growing challenge in Nigeria. The country is rich in natural resources such as gold, lithium, and other solid minerals. However, much of the mining activity is carried out illegally, often without proper regulation or oversight.
This has led to significant revenue losses for the government, as well as environmental damage and security concerns. In some cases, illegal mining operations have been linked to criminal networks and armed groups, further complicating the situation.
Olukoyede said the EFCC has been actively addressing these issues, with several cases investigated and prosecuted.
“The EFCC has been doing a lot in the areas of terrorism financing and illegal mining. We have a good number of convictions,” he stated.
He also warned that criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, using new methods to evade detection. According to him, this makes it necessary for law enforcement agencies to continuously upgrade their skills, tools, and strategies.
“At our level, a lot has been done in-house, especially as it relates to terrorism financing, illegal mining and money laundering,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the EFCC’s Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, said the agency has intensified operations against illegal mining in recent months.
He noted that increased surveillance and enforcement actions have led to more arrests and prosecutions. According to him, the commission is determined to ensure that those involved in illegal mining are brought to justice.
Officials from UNODC explained that their visit was aimed at exploring ways to deepen collaboration with Nigeria. They highlighted existing technical frameworks designed to tackle transnational crimes, including terrorism financing and money laundering.
UNODC has been working with Nigeria for several years, providing training, technical support, and capacity building for law enforcement agencies. The organisation plays a key role in helping countries strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks to combat crime.
Canada has also been a partner in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, supporting programmes that focus on intelligence sharing, financial tracking, and capacity development.
By working together, countries can share information, track suspicious financial flows, and improve enforcement.
In Nigeria, the fight against corruption and financial crimes has remained a top priority for successive governments. Agencies like the EFCC have been at the forefront of this effort, investigating cases of fraud, money laundering, and abuse of public office.
However, challenges remain, including limited resources, legal hurdles, and the complexity of modern financial systems.
The growing link between financial crimes and security threats has made the work of the EFCC even more critical. Authorities believe that addressing issues such as terrorism financing and illegal mining will not only improve security but also boost economic growth.
For instance, better regulation of the mining sector could increase government revenue, create jobs, and attract investment. Similarly, cutting off funding for terrorist groups could help restore peace in affected regions.
As Nigeria continues to face these challenges, the EFCC says it is committed to strengthening its operations through partnerships and innovation.
The latest collaboration with UNODC and Canada is seen as a step in that direction, as the agency seeks to stay ahead of evolving criminal activities.
With increased support and improved strategies, authorities hope to make greater progress in tackling financial crimes and securing the country’s resources for national development.