The Department of State Services (DSS) has called for stronger collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance intelligence sharing, particularly in the fight against terrorism financing. This appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the DSS Director in Enugu State, Mr. Humphrey Ohikhuare, to the EFCC Zonal Director, Enugu Zonal Directorate, CE Mohammed Shuaib Bello.
During the visit, Ohikhuare acknowledged the EFCC’s critical role in sustaining Nigeria’s economy by tackling corruption, economic, and financial crimes. He commended the agency’s efforts in investigating and prosecuting fraudulent individuals which he said has helped in ensuring that national resources are effectively utilized for the benefit of the people.
He emphasized the need for synergy in intelligence sharing to disrupt terrorism financing in Enugu State.
“I came to collaborate with you in terms of intelligence gathering. One of our core mandates in the state is to fight terrorism, and we know that terrorists cannot operate without funding. Some of these funds flow through the financial system. My visit is to strengthen our intelligence-sharing efforts so that together, we can cut off their sources of funding and curb terrorism in Enugu State,” Ohikhuare stated.
In response, EFCC Zonal Director Bello welcomed the collaboration, highlighting that DSS is a key stakeholder in the commission’s operations. He assured that the Enugu Zonal Directorate would continue to support the DSS in tackling terrorism financing.
“The core mandate of the EFCC is to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes. As you rightly pointed out, terrorism cannot thrive without financing, so this collaboration is crucial. We are committed to intelligence sharing because without it, neither the EFCC nor the DSS can effectively fulfill their mandates,” Bello said.
He reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between both agencies and pledged maximum support in their joint mission to disrupt financial networks that fuel terrorism.
