Help Track Sponsors Of Terrorism, Kidnappings – Defence Chief Urges EFCC
BY EDMOND ODOK – Disturbed by the increasing waves of kidnapping and banditry in the country, the Military High Command has tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to assist in identifying and tracking down sponsors of terrorism against the Nigerian State.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, made this passionate plea when the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede visited the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
General Musa, who described the EFCC boss’ appointment as well-deserved, said tracking terrorism funding remains one of the non-kinetic means of fighting the crime across the global stage.
According to the Defence Chief, the Nigerian Military is already championing this cause and synergy among security agencies would greatly assist in the fight against terrorism.
General Musa, who praised the anti-graft agency for its doggedness and relentless fight against corruption in the country, said; “Your unique approach of leveraging on the potentials of technology to fight corruption and other forms of economic crimes is quite commendable”.
He said with its zero tolerance for corrupt practices, the Military has adopted the proceedings of a General Court Martial (GCM) to checkmate culpable personnel, adding; “I want to assure you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not derail from its commitment to ensure the survival of current democratic dispensation”.
The CDS also tasked EFCC to encourage public office holders and Nigerians in positions of authority to uphold the tenets of good governance as a means of forestalling economic breakdown and thriving insecurity nationwide.
Similarly, General Musa disclosed that the military is partnering with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and other stakeholders in the daily fight to curb oil theft in the country.
While identifying issues around blocking loopholes arising from the siphoning of oil and existing soft legal system that delays prosecution of suspects as major challenges in the system, the Army General canvassed that census, and installation of CCTV Cameras in strategic points should be deployed to contain cases of corruption, terrorism and other forms of insecurity in the country.
Speaking at the occasion, EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede said the visit to Defence Headquarters aimed at exploring avenues of cooperation and collaboration in the ongoing anti-corruption fight in the country.
He said since assuming duties at the Commission, much emphasis has been placed on the need for Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of collaboration, being a key to winning the war against corruption, adding that the war against corruption must be won in the overall interest of Nigerians and the country in general.
Maintaining that corruption has destroyed the economy as well as dented Nigeria’s good image among the comity of nations, the EFCC Chairman warned that if drastic measures are not taken to check the menace, the country would be worse off in the next 10 years.
In his words; “As a means to mitigate the menace caused by corruption and insecurity, cognitive responsibility has to be embraced by the military and other security agencies”, adding that; “The war against corruption should be seen as everybody’s business.”
He also backed the CDS on the need for the Military and other security agencies to join forces and have robust collaboration if the fight against corruption must succeed in the country.
