EFCC partners Army, DSS to tackle illegal mining in Kwara

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stepped up efforts to tackle illegal mining and associated crimes in Kwara State through strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The newly appointed Zonal Director of the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander Victoria Ugo-Ali, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, paid strategic courtesy visits to the Commandant of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, and the Kwara State Director of the DSS, Michael Oganwu, in Ilorin.

The engagements were aimed at deepening inter-agency cooperation to combat corruption, illegal mining, banditry and terrorism financing within Kwara and adjoining states.

During her visit to the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ugo-Ali described illegal mining as a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security, noting that the activity is often driven by organised criminal networks that evade regulatory systems and deprive the country of critical revenue.

“Illegal mining goes beyond economic sabotage; it poses grave national security risks. These activities are frequently orchestrated by structured criminal groups operating outside the law,” she stated.

She advocated enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated field operations, and stronger security presence at mining sites to dismantle illicit networks effectively.

The Zonal Director also highlighted growing concerns over the link between illegal mining and insecurity, explaining that proceeds from unlawful mineral exploitation are sometimes used to fund violent and extremist activities.

“Curtailing illicit financial flows tied to mineral exploitation remains central to the EFCC’s mandate. This requires close collaboration with the military to break entrenched criminal structures,” she added.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Rume commended the EFCC for its proactive approach and pledged the Brigade’s continued support for anti-corruption and economic crime operations within its jurisdiction.

“The 22 Armoured Brigade is prepared to sustain joint task operations, promote timely intelligence exchange, and engage in coordinated capacity-building efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and curb economic sabotage,” he said.

At the DSS office, Ugo-Ali stressed the importance of intelligence-driven cooperation in confronting corruption, economic crimes, and the rising threat of banditry in parts of the state and neighbouring areas. She observed that corrupt practices and illicit financial dealings often serve as enablers of insecurity.

“Corruption and illegal financial activities frequently provide funding channels for bandit groups and extremist elements. Cutting off these financial lifelines through joint investigations and strategic enforcement will significantly weaken criminal networks,” she noted.

In response, DSS Director Oganwu assured the EFCC of the Service’s full backing, emphasising that tackling corruption, banditry, and terrorism financing requires a unified and coordinated security framework.

“The fight against economic crimes and insecurity calls for a united front. The DSS will continue to provide actionable intelligence and strategic collaboration to ensure effective enforcement and lasting peace,” he affirmed.