Oyo, Osun customs, EFCC partner to tackle wildlife smuggling
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have joined forces to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking, a growing threat with significant economic and environmental consequences.
This agreement was reached over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the Oyo/Osun Command’s Controller, Comptroller Joseph Adelaja, to the EFCC’s Zonal Office in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The details of the meeting were disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdulmalik Akintola, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Adelaja stressed the importance of curbing smuggling and financial crimes, which pose serious threats to the nation’s economic stability.
He highlighted the need for effective collaboration between security agencies to address these challenges.
Adelaja commended the EFCC’s persistent efforts in combating economic and financial crimes, money laundering, and illicit trade activities that hinder Nigeria’s economic growth.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration with the EFCC through intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity-building initiatives.
“There is a need for concerted efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, a growing concern with economic and environmental implications,” Adelaja said.
In response, EFCC’s Zonal Director, Hajia Hauwa Garba Ringim, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enhancing inter-agency cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint operations aimed at curbing trans-border financial crimes.
“We express our readiness to collaborate with the NCS in addressing financial crimes and illegal trade activities that could hinder the nation’s economic progress,” Ringim said.
Adelaja expressed gratitude to Hajia Ringim for the warm reception and the opportunity to strengthen ties with the EFCC.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the EFCC Zonal Office in Ibadan.
