EFCC, NIS Unite to Combat Cross-Border Financial Crimes in Kano

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have signaled a significant intensification of their joint efforts to tackle cross-border financial crimes, particularly in Kano, the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria.

This renewed commitment followed a crucial courtesy visit on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, by the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kano State Command, Mr. Tahir A. Lawal, to the Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1) Friday Ebelo.

Comptroller Lawal emphasized the need for a stronger, mutually-beneficial partnership, highlighting the strategic role of NIS’s technological advancements. He stressed that the cutting-edge technologies deployed by the Service to enhance the processing of international passports and other immigration activities are pivotal tools in the fight against visa fraud, identity theft, and other related offences that underpin transnational financial crimes. The NIS has, in recent times, introduced a security-enhanced e-Passport with polycarbonate technology and an Electronic Document Management System to streamline applications, eliminate human interference, and boost security

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Responding to the Comptroller’s visit, ACE1 Ebelo praised the initiative, describing it as a clear testament to the NIS’s commitment to bolstering the existing cordial relationship between the agencies.

Ebelo acknowledged the invaluable support of the NIS during a recent, high-profile anti-cybercrime operation in Lagos. He specifically recalled the swift and decisive responses from the Immigration Service which were pivotal in verifying the identities and status of the 792 internet fraudsters and cyber terrorists arrested by the Commission. This cooperation, he noted, greatly assisted in the successful prosecution of the suspects, many of whom were foreign nationals allegedly masterminding sophisticated cryptocurrency investment and romance scams.

The Zonal Director further underscored the critical importance of synergy and seamless collaboration amongst law enforcement agencies. He reiterated that such strong partnerships are indispensable for effectively executing the national mandate of ridding Nigeria of economic and financial crimes and all acts of corruption. This sentiment aligns with broader government efforts, with the EFCC actively forging alliances with other key agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to combat illicit financial flows and trade malpractices.