Nigerian Army and EFCC Strengthen Partnership to Tackle Corruption in Edo

Benin City — In a renewed show of commitment to combating corruption and financial crimes in Edo State, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, has pledged continued military support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The pledge came during a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Brigadier General Balogun, who recently took office as the new commander in Benin City, emphasized the critical role that collaboration between the military and the EFCC plays in tracking down illicit financial flows. He highlighted the importance of cooperation among all Nigerians and key stakeholders to successfully detect and disrupt criminal enterprises at their financial roots.

“The EFCC needs the support of every Nigerian, especially institutions like us in the military, given its frontline role in fighting corruption,” Balogun said. “If we can trace the movement of funds, we can intervene early and nip financial crimes in the bud.”

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The Nigerian Army and EFCC share a long history of teamwork, from curbing illegal oil bunkering activities to conducting joint training exercises aimed at enhancing response capabilities. Brigadier General Balogun made it clear that his visit sought to strengthen these ties further. “Our partnership is not about competing for credit,” he stated. “What matters is that together, we eliminate corruption — ‘it doesn’t matter who kills the snake, as long as the snake is killed.’

The Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Benin, Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, welcomed the military’s support, noting that tackling financial crimes requires a united front. “No single agency can effectively combat criminality alone. Collaboration and synergy are critical. The Nigerian Army is an indispensable partner in our mission. Our shared goal is a safer and economically sound Nigeria, and we look forward to deepening this partnership.”

This meeting reaffirms the mutual commitment of Nigeria’s security and law enforcement agencies to safeguard public resources and strengthen governance through collective action. As corruption continues to undermine development efforts nationwide, cross-agency alliances like this remain crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring accountability.