EFCC, UNODC, Canada Strategize Against Terrorist Financing, Illegal Mining
Abuja, Nigeria | April 24, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its readiness to strengthen collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Canada in tackling terrorist financing and illegal mining in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, during a courtesy visit by officials from both institutions at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. The visiting delegation included Wilma Endamne, Senior Project Manager, Counter-terrorism and Anti-Crimes Capacity Building Programmes Division, and Tom Parker, Project Coordinator of the Counter-terrorism Unit of UNODC.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede expressed appreciation for the sustained support from UNODC and the Canadian Government, noting that the Commission has maintained a robust and productive relationship with both partners over the years.
He emphasized that the EFCC remains relentless in combating terrorism financing and illegal mining, adding that the Commission has recorded a significant number of convictions across its zonal directorates in these areas. According to him, continued collaboration and capacity building are essential to sustaining these gains.
Olukoyede further noted that criminal networks are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies, making it imperative for law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities. He stressed that the EFCC has intensified in-house training, particularly in areas such as terrorism financing, illegal mining, and money laundering.
Reiterating the Commission’s commitment, he stated that the EFCC remains open to expanded partnerships that will strengthen operational efficiency and dismantle criminal networks involved in illicit financial activities.
Also speaking, the Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, disclosed that the Commission has scaled up its operations against illegal mining, resulting in increased arrests and prosecutions. He highlighted the importance of collective action and stakeholder engagement in addressing the challenges.
On his part, Tom Parker noted that the visit was aimed at exploring deeper collaboration in combating terrorism financing and illegal mining. He added that the UNODC has been working with various stakeholders and has established a technical working group to coordinate efforts in addressing these issues.
The engagement underscores a shared commitment among the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and international partners to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in tackling financial crimes and safeguarding national security.
