Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Olanipekum Olukayode, emphasized the importance of collaboration and capacity-building among Nigeria’s security agencies to effectively address corruption. Speaking during the graduation of the Executive Leadership and Strategic Management Course (Batch 5/2024) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) in Abuja, Olukayode highlighted training as an essential tool for staying ahead of evolving criminal tactics, particularly with advancements in digital crimes and cryptocurrency.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammad Hamman-Joda, Olukayode underscored that building expertise within senior security management is essential for long-term success against corruption. He shared that the EFCC has already trained 100 participants in this collaborative course, including members from the Department of State Security (DSS), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Nigerian Army. The five-part training series targeted both senior and mid-level security managers, aiming to foster shared knowledge and collective resilience across agencies.
Expressing gratitude for NARC’s contribution to the program, Olukayode expressed optimism that the skills and insights gained would positively impact EFCC’s operational effectiveness and aid in future anti-corruption initiatives. He also extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and the nation over the recent passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, Director-General of NARC, echoed Olukayode’s sentiments on the need for interagency collaboration. According to Wahab, joint training sessions help unify the efforts of various agencies, allowing them to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses better and to strategize collectively. “The challenges facing Nigeria are multifaceted, and effective solutions must come from within our security architecture,” Wahab noted, adding that cross-agency cooperation is a vital component in addressing national security issues.
Wahab stressed that training together enhances not only tactical knowledge but also fosters professional networks across agencies. He believes this approach to socialization and networking is vital for addressing national and global security challenges. By promoting cross-agency collaboration, Nigeria’s security forces aim to build a unified front against corruption and strengthen their collective impact.
