Abuja, Sept. 27, 2024(TheGavel) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have reinforced their commitment to collaborate more closely in the fight against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, made this announcement in a statement released on Friday in Abuja. According to the statement, the two agencies have agreed to strengthen their partnership, particularly in intelligence sharing, to effectively tackle corruption and other related crimes.
The resolution to enhance cooperation was reached during a courtesy visit by Paul Akugbo, the newly appointed Director of Base Command Liaison at the DSS, to Michael Wetkas, the Acting Director of the EFCC’s Lagos Directorate.
During the visit, Akugbo emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening the existing collaboration between the DSS and EFCC. He described the visit as a proactive measure to familiarize with the team on the ground and improve their joint efforts in addressing financial crimes.
“It is, indeed, a thing of honour to be among you today,” Akugbo said. “As you know, the Base Command is not just the Lagos Command; rather, it is the national headquarters annex located in Lagos.”
Akugbo praised the EFCC for its relentless efforts to stamp out corruption from Nigerian society. He noted that collaboration between security agencies is essential, as criminals are also forming alliances to carry out their illegal activities.
“Security is not a one-man business; cooperation and collaboration are needed,” he said. “For a door to be a door, it opens both ways for mutual support, and we cannot afford not to collaborate as security agencies. We are here for national security, and we have to work better. This is because the criminals are bonding too. I can assure you our cooperation will be robust, and our support will not be hindered.”
In response, Michael Wetkas expressed his appreciation for the DSS’s visit and reiterated that the two agencies had always enjoyed a strong working relationship. Wetkas highlighted past instances where the DSS had assisted the EFCC by intercepting individuals on their watch-list and handing them over for prosecution.
“On several occasions, we have written letters to you for certain people on our watch-list, and you have intercepted them and handed them over to us. We thank you for this,” Wetkas said. “The success of our various services is our joint success. Lagos is a challenging place, and we are here to support in any way we can.”
Wetkas further stressed the importance of continuous collaboration to ensure success in their joint mission to combat financial crimes and corruption in Nigeria.
“The visit today is a demonstration that the DSS is ready to work and partner with the EFCC to achieve an overall success for Nigeria,” Wetkas said. “There is always a need to collaborate and build a better relationship to make this country a success.”
The renewed partnership between the EFCC and DSS is expected to bolster the national anti-corruption efforts, ensuring a more coordinated approach to securing Nigeria from economic and financial threats. (NAN)
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