The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have resolved to strengthen their collaboration, particularly in the area of intelligence, in a bid to tackle the menace of economic and financial crimes, as well as corruption in the country.
The agreement was reached when the DSS’ new Director, Base Command Liaison, Lagos State, Paul Akugbo, visited the EFCC office in Lagos on Thursday.
A statement issued on Thursday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, noted that Akugbo emphasised the importance of his visit in reinforcing the already existing collaboration between the DSS and the EFCC.
“It is, indeed, an honour to be among you today. As you know, the Base Command is not the Lagos Command; rather, it is the national headquarters annex located in Lagos,” Akugbo was quoted as saying.
Oyewale, while commending the EFCC for its unrelenting efforts to stamp out corruption from Nigerian society, added that Akugbo said the visit “is a proactive measure to meet the people on the ground and familiarise ourselves with them for better collaboration.”
“Security is not a one-man business, so cooperation and collaboration are essential.
“For a door to be a door, it opens both ways for mutual support, and we cannot afford not to collaborate as security agencies.
“We are here for national security and must work together more effectively. This is because the criminals are also bonding.
“I can assure you our cooperation will be robust, and our support will not be hindered.”
In his remarks, the Acting Director of the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, Michael Wetkas, expressed his delight in receiving Akugbo and his team, adding that the DSS and the EFCC have always worked together.
“On several occasions, we have written letters to you concerning certain individuals on our watch list, and you have intercepted them and handed them over to us. We are grateful for this…
“The success of our respective services is a joint success. Lagos is a challenging place, and we are here to support you in any way we can.
“This visit demonstrates that you are here to work and partner with us to achieve overall success for our country.
“There is always a need to collaborate and build a stronger relationship to ensure the success of this country,” Wetkas was quoted as saying.
