- The military high command urged EFCC to track individuals funding terrorism, emphasizing the importance of non-kinetic strategies
- Gen. Christopher Musa commended EFCC’s use of technology and emphasized zero tolerance for corruption within the military
On Friday, the military high command urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to track down individuals funding terrorism in the country.
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, made this plea to the anti-graft agency at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, while hosting the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. Musa explained that tracking terrorism funding is one of the non-kinetic means of fighting terrorism globally, a strategy already being pursued by the military.
“Let me first congratulate you on your appointment as the EFCC boss. I want to assure you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are committed to ensuring the survival of the current democratic dispensation.”
“Your unique approach of leveraging the potential of technology to fight corruption and other forms of economic crimes is commendable.” He emphasized the military’s zero tolerance for corrupt practices, noting that it employs General Court Martial (GCM) proceedings to check culpable personnel.
Musa urged the EFCC to encourage public officeholders and other Nigerians in positions of authority to uphold good governance to prevent economic breakdown and insecurity.
He mentioned the military’s collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other stakeholders to combat oil theft, lamenting challenges such as oil siphoning and delays in prosecuting suspects due to a soft legal system.
The military chief advocated for using census data and installing CCTV cameras in strategic locations to combat corruption, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity in the country.
On his part, the EFCC Chairman stated that he visited Defence Headquarters to explore avenues of cooperation and collaboration in the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.
Olukoyede emphasized the need for collaboration, citing it as key to winning the war against corruption, which he said has damaged the nation’s economy and reputation.
He warned that without drastic measures, corruption could jeopardize the country’s future in the next 10 years.
“As a means to mitigate the menace of corruption and insecurity, everyone must take cognitive responsibility, and the military and other security agencies must join forces in fighting corruption,” he said.