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

The visits were aimed at reinforcing inter-agency cooperation to tackle corruption, illegal mining, banditry and terrorism financing in Kwara State and neighbouring areas.

Speaking during her meeting with the Army Commandant, Ugo-Ali described illegal mining as a major threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security, calling for coordinated action among security agencies.

“Illegal mining is not merely an economic offence; it constitutes a grave threat to national security. These operations are often orchestrated by organised criminal networks that circumvent regulatory frameworks and deprive the country of vital revenue,” she said.

She advocated enhanced intelligence sharing, joint field operations and improved security around mining sites to effectively dismantle illicit networks.

Highlighting the link between illegal mining and insecurity, the Zonal Director noted that proceeds from unlawful mineral extraction are sometimes channelled into financing violent and extremist activities.

“Disrupting illicit financial flows linked to mineral exploitation remains central to the EFCC’s mandate. Achieving this objective requires robust collaboration with the military to dismantle entrenched criminal structures,” she added.

In his response, Brigadier General Rume commended the EFCC’s proactive engagement and reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption and economic crime operations within its jurisdiction.

“The 22 Armoured Brigade stands ready to sustain joint task operations, facilitate timely intelligence exchange, and participate in coordinated capacity-building initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and curb economic sabotage,” he stated.

At the DSS office, Ugo-Ali stressed the importance of intelligence-driven collaboration in addressing corruption, economic crimes and the growing threat of banditry in parts of Kwara and neighbouring states.

She maintained that corruption and illicit financial activities often serve as enablers of insecurity.

“Corruption and illegal financial dealings often provide funding streams for bandit groups and extremist elements. Cutting off these financial lifelines through joint investigations and strategic enforcement will significantly weaken criminal networks,” she said.

Responding, Oganwu assured the EFCC of the Service’s full support, emphasising that tackling corruption, banditry and terrorism financing requires a unified security approach.

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