EFCC, Aviation Security Boost Partnership to Combat Illicit Financial Flows Ahead of 2027 Elections

In order to combat illicit money flows and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s impending general elections, the Economic and money Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kano Zonal Directorate and Aviation Security (AVSEC) have committed to strengthening their cooperation in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity, EFCC, made this claim in a statement on Tuesday.

Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Kano, received a formal promise from Aliyu Yahuza Abdullahi, the recently appointed Chief of Aviation Security at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Abdullahi pledged a “new vista of cooperation” targeted at eliminating syndicates that take advantage of the aviation industry for illicit financial operations and guaranteed the Commission of AVSEC of his complete support.

He underlined the importance of intelligence sharing, claiming it would improve joint operations’ efficacy and protect airport operations.

Additionally, the AVSEC chief asked the EFCC to give advance notification of any planned airport operations.

“We will be able to support EFCC agents in the field with ease and deploy resources effectively thanks to advance notification,” Abdullahi said.

Ebelo responded by praising the promise of increased cooperation and emphasizing the importance of being vigilant, particularly when it comes to the transfer of substantial amounts of money through the airport.

He emphasized that dishonest actors could utilize illegal funds to sway the political process as general elections draw near.

Ebelo urged the security services to take the initiative to seize money meant for illegal activities, pointing out that concerted measures would discourage economic saboteurs and shield Nigeria’s democracy from the damaging impacts of illegal financial flows.

As authorities step up efforts to prevent financial crimes and guarantee honest voting processes, the renewed alliance emphasizes the vital role of inter-agency coordination at critical points of entry.

In the meantime, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Victoria Ugo-Ali, the new Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, made strategic courtesy visits to Michael Oganwu, the Kwara State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Nicholas Rume, the Commandant of the 22 Armoured Brigade.

The trips were intended to improve interagency cooperation in the fight against banditry, illegal mining, corruption, and the funding of terrorism in Kwara State and its surrounding areas.

Ugo-Ali stressed the critical need for concerted efforts to combat illicit mining during her discussion with the Army Commandant, characterizing it as a serious danger to Nigeria’s national security and economic stability.

She pointed out that organized crime networks frequently spearhead unlawful mining operations that circumvent legal restrictions and deny the country vital revenue.

To stop the threat, she advocated for increased intelligence sharing, cooperative field activities, and better mining site security.

The Zonal Director went on to emphasize the connection between illicit mining and the funding of terrorism, stating that money obtained from illegal mineral extraction is occasionally used to finance extremist and violent actions.

She emphasized that stopping such financial transfers is still essential to the EFCC’s mission and that strong military cooperation is needed to destroy long-standing criminal organizations.

Brigadier General Rume responded by praising the EFCC’s proactive strategy and reiterating the Brigade’s willingness to assist activities aimed at combating economic crime and corruption within its operational purview.

In order to improve operational effectiveness and prevent economic sabotage, he promised to maintain collaboration through coordinated capacity-building initiatives, timely intelligence sharing, and cooperative task operations.

Ugo-Ali emphasized at the DSS headquarters the value of intelligence-driven cooperation in combating economic crimes, corruption, and the increasing menace of banditry in some areas of Kwara and surrounding states.

She noted that illegal financial activity and corruption frequently act as catalysts for insecurity by giving bandit organizations and extremist elements a source of money.

She said that criminal networks would be greatly weakened if these financial lifelines were cut off through cooperative investigations and strategic enforcement.

In response, Oganwu reassured the EFCC of the DSS’s steadfast cooperation, pointing out that security services must work together to combat corruption, banditry, and terrorism funding.

To guarantee efficient enforcement and long-lasting peace, he promised strategic cooperation and actionable intelligence.