The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, in a bold call to action, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intensify efforts in tracking down the funders of terrorism within Nigeria.
This plea, he emphasized, is critical in combating terrorism globally, highlighting the urgent need for the EFCC’s assistance in identifying and tracing funds linked to terrorist activities.
Gen Musa expressed his concerns during a meeting with the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, in Abuja, as disclosed in a statement by Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, on Friday.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the military, Gen Musa lamented the delays in prosecuting suspects due to what he described as a “soft” legal system.
He stressed the importance of closing loopholes that allow for the siphoning of oil, which contributes to funding illicit activities.
“The CDS called for the tracking of terrorism funding in Nigeria, being one of the non-kinetic means of fighting terrorism across the globe.
“The CDS further informed the Chairman of the Anti-Graft body that AFN synergises with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and other stakeholders to fight oil theft in the country.
“He lamented that the issues of blocking loopholes brought about by the siphoning of oil and the soft legal system which delays the prosecution of suspects have been major challenges,” the statement partly reads.
Gen Musa further advocated for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television Cameras at strategic locations to bolster the fight against crime, corruption, and terrorism.
He reiterated the military’s unwavering stance against corrupt practices, emphasizing the adoption of stringent measures such as General Court Martial proceedings to hold personnel accountable.
In response, Olukoyede underscored the urgency of winning the war against corruption, highlighting its devastating impact on the nation’s economy and reputation.
He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the EFCC, the military, and other security agencies to combat corruption effectively and safeguard Nigeria’s future.
