EFCC, UNODC, Canada move to crush terror financing, illegal mining

By Adebola Isimijola

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the agency’s determination to dismantle terrorism financing networks and clamp down on illegal mining through enhanced collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Canadian Government.

He spoke in Abuja on Friday while receiving a joint delegation from Canada and UNODC at the EFCC headquarters.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede praised the longstanding support from both partners, describing it as critical to the Commission’s operations. “I appreciate strongly the support that has been coming from UNODC and the Canadian Government,” he said.

The EFCC boss disclosed that the Commission has recorded significant breakthroughs, including multiple convictions linked to illegal mining across its commands. “We have been relentless. There are several convictions, especially in illegal mining,” he said.

Warning that criminal networks are becoming more technologically sophisticated, Olukoyede stressed the urgency of scaling up capacity. “We have strengthened training internally, particularly in terrorism financing, illegal mining and money laundering,” he added.

He reiterated the Commission’s readiness to deepen partnerships to dismantle criminal structures. “Whatever it takes to disrupt terrorism financing, the EFCC is committed,” he declared.

Also speaking, EFCC Director of Investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, said intensified operations have led to a surge in arrests and prosecutions in the illegal mining sector. “We have scaled up enforcement. Arrests and prosecutions have increased, and capacity is being strengthened with partner support,” he said.

Earlier, UNODC Project Coordinator, Tom Parker, said the visit aimed at expanding cooperation, particularly on the growing link between illegal mining and terrorism financing. “A Canada-funded project is focusing on the connection between illicit mining and terrorist financing,” he said.

He revealed that a multi-agency technical working group has been established to tackle illicit financial flows tied to the sector.

In her remarks, Canada’s Senior Project Manager, Wilma Endamne, outlined support areas, including equipment, software and policing expertise.
“Our programme can provide the tools needed to strengthen capacity,” she said.