By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun has pledged the support of the Nigerian Army to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.
Balogun made this pledge on Monday, while on a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission.
According to the General, who recently assumed office as the Commander of 4 Brigade, Benin City, EFCC needs the support of every Nigerian given its role as the foremost anti-corruption agency in Nigeria.
The General further noted that the Commission needed the support of critical stakeholders to successfully block or trace the movement of funds to nip financial offences in the bud.
“If we can detect the flow of funds, we can nip such crimes in the bud.”
He disclosed that the Commission and the military has had a long history of collaboration, including training of personnel, curtailing illegal oil bunkering and a host of others .
“One of the reasons for our visit is to familiarise ourselves with the leadership of the Commission so that we can build on the existing relationships between the two institutions. It is not about competition but about collaboration. It doesn’t matter who kills the snake as much as the snake is killed.”
He revealed the military is willing to collaborate and offer any kind of support to the Commission whenever it is called upon to do so.
Responding, the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin, Deputy Commander of the Commission, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad commended the army general and his men for their visit.
He noted that synergy and collaboration were crucial as no single agency or institution can effectively eliminate crimes and criminality in the society.
“We build synergy and collaborate with relevant stakeholders and the Nigeria Army is a critical stakeholder. Our interest and your interest are the same, which is to have a better Nigeria and so we are willing to collaborate with you.”
