The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called for stronger collaboration and support from traditional institutions, the judiciary, security agencies and other critical stakeholders in Nasarawa and Plateau states to combat economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption in Nigeria.
He made the call through the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Abuja Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Michael Wetkas, during a series of engagements with key institutions in the two states.
The engagements, which took place between October 2 and October 6, 2026, were aimed at strengthening existing relationships between the Commission and its institutional partners and securing greater cooperation in the discharge of its mandate.
In Nasarawa State, the EFCC delegation visited the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage (retd.); the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Mohammed Usman; and the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, Shetima Jauro Mohammed.
The Commission’s collaboration drive extended to Plateau State, where Wetkas led the EFCC delegation on a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Jos, Major General Maxwell W. Dangana. The visit took place on October 2, 2026, at the division’s headquarters, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
He explained that the nature of the operations undertaken by the EFCC and the Nigerian Army made cooperation particularly important.
The engagements provided an opportunity for the Commission to discuss emerging threats posed by economic and financial crimes, including cybercrime and investment fraud, while seeking stronger institutional support for enforcement and prevention.
At the palace of the Emir of Lafia, Olukoyede said the visit was both official and consistent with traditional customs, describing it as an opportunity to seek the “father’s blessing”. He appealed to the traditional institution to support collective efforts to combat corruption and other economic and financial crimes, particularly those involving young Nigerians.
Olukoyede expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young people in cybercrime, popularly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo”, noting that some youths appeared increasingly unwilling to pursue legitimate means of livelihood.
He said the concern required a collective response involving not only law enforcement agencies but also traditional rulers, families, communities and other institutions capable of influencing social values.
Responding, the Emir expressed delight at receiving the EFCC team, describing the Commission as one of the most important agencies that had contributed significantly to keeping the country together.
He commended the EFCC for its achievements and continued efforts to combat internet fraud and other forms of financial crime, stressing that no country could achieve meaningful development without confronting corruption. The traditional ruler assured the Commission of his support for its efforts to promote accountability and integrity in society.
During his meeting with the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, the EFCC Chairman acknowledged the challenges facing the Nigerian criminal justice system while drawing her attention to the growing menace of investment fraud. He noted that even judges and other highly placed professionals could become unsuspecting victims of fraudulent investment schemes.
The Chief Judge thanked the EFCC team for the visit and expressed concern over the prevalence of investment fraud in society.
Justice Usman assured the Commission of the judiciary’s readiness to continue working closely with the EFCC, particularly through the timely consideration of urgent applications required to facilitate the Commission’s operations and enhance the effectiveness of its investigations.
She commended the EFCC for its professionalism, commitment and strong work ethic, noting the importance of continued institutional cooperation in the administration of justice.
During a separate engagement with the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, the EFCC Chairman underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling economic and financial crimes, noting that both the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force had complementary responsibilities in the fight against crime.
Reacting, CP Mohammed said the Command was ready to collaborate with the Commission, stressing that there was no fundamental difference in the objectives of the two agencies when it came to protecting citizens and combating criminality. He assured the EFCC team of the Police Command’s continued support whenever required.
In Plateau State, the EFCC Chairman stressed that the nature and operations of the EFCC and the Nigerian Army made cooperation between the two institutions particularly important in the fight against corruption. He said effective collaboration between the EFCC and the Army would not only facilitate the smooth execution of operations but also enhance the safety and effectiveness of personnel deployed in the field.
Olukoyede stressed the need for the two institutions to work closely, particularly in situations where EFCC operations might require security support, intelligence sharing or other forms of military assistance.
He expressed concern over the growing menace of illegal mining in Plateau State and its implications for Nigeria’s economy and national security. He said the development constituted more than an environmental and regulatory challenge, as it also created opportunities for economic and financial crimes to thrive.
The EFCC Chairman sought greater cooperation between the two institutions in identifying, disrupting and investigating criminal activities associated with illegal mining and other illicit economic activities.
He observed that fraudulent activities, particularly those perpetrated through digital platforms and deceptive investment schemes, had the potential to undermine public confidence, damage Nigeria’s international reputation and negatively affect the country’s economic standing.
He pointed out that tackling these crimes required not only enforcement but also prevention, intelligence sharing and sustained public enlightenment.
In response, Major General Dangana announced the division’s readiness to collaborate with the EFCC and provide the necessary assistance to ensure that personnel of both institutions could carry out their duties safely and effectively.
The GOC acknowledged that contemporary security challenges increasingly required security and law enforcement agencies to work together. He stressed the importance of building both formal and informal relationships to facilitate communication and ease the discharge of operational responsibilities.
He assured the EFCC delegation of the division’s willingness to provide assistance whenever required, especially in addressing illegal mining and its wider security implications in the state and the country at large.
He also acknowledged that sustained collaboration among agencies would enhance the government’s ability to respond to criminal activities that threatened economic development, security and the well-being of communities.
In a significant step towards strengthening preventive measures, the GOC requested the EFCC to organise an interactive sensitisation session for officers and soldiers of the division on investment scams and related financial crimes. According to him, such an engagement would equip personnel with the knowledge required to recognise fraudulent investment schemes, understand emerging methods used by fraudsters and protect themselves from becoming victims.
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