NFSS seeks strategic alliance with EFCC to combat financial crimes
The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS) has called for collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen efforts against corruption, economic, and financial crimes in Nigeria.
The appeal was made on Thursday when the NFSS Commander-General, Adewole Joshua Osatimehin, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
During the visit, Osatimehin praised Olukoyede’s leadership, noting the Commission’s progress in tackling corruption and prosecuting high-profile individuals previously considered untouchable.
He stated that the NFSS is eager to contribute to the EFCC’s success, emphasizing the Service’s strong grassroots presence across the country, which could enhance intelligence gathering efforts.
Osatimehin explained that NFSS operatives are stationed in villages and wards nationwide, making it easier to obtain information on criminal activities, while the EFCC focuses on tracking financial transactions linked to such crimes.
He also requested capacity building for NFSS personnel, particularly in investigative skills, to strengthen their operational effectiveness through training by the EFCC.
Highlighting the importance of forest security, Osatimehin noted that Nigeria’s vast forest reserves—covering millions of hectares—require urgent attention due to their vulnerability to criminal activities.
In response, Olukoyede welcomed the proposed collaboration, stressing the need for collective action to secure forests, which have become safe havens for bandits and illegal miners, and assured the NFSS of the EFCC’s willingness to partner and provide the requested training support.
