EFCC, Aviation Security Pledge Enhanced Collaboration Against Illicit Financial Flows

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Aviation Security, AVSEC. have pledged to strengthen their partnership, particularly in intelligence sharing and operational coordination, to combat illicit financial flows and safeguard the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.

This commitment was reached during a courtesy visit by the new Chief of Aviation Security at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Aliyu Yahuza Abdullahi to the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo.

Abdullahi assured the EFCC of his firm unwavering support and a new vista of cooperation. He emphasized the critical role of intelligence sharing in dismantling syndicates that exploit the aviation sector for illicit financial flows.

He also committed AVSEC to working hand-in-hand with the EFCC to ensure adequate and most effective assistance to the operational activities of the Commission. He, however, urged the Commission to always carry his firm along and give advance notice whenever they have an operation at the airport “as this prior notification will enable them to deploy resources efficiently and seamlessly to support EFCC operatives in the field.”

In his response, Ebelo welcomed the pledge for deeper collaboration and called for heightened vigilance, particularly regarding the physical movement of large sums of cash in and out of the country through the airport.

He stressed that with the general elections drawing closer, there is a high risk that money may be a tool in the hands of politicians. He urged all security agencies to be proactive in intercepting funds intended for unlawful purposes.

He added that a coordinated front would not only deter economic saboteurs but also protect the democratic process from the corrosive influence of illicit funds.