The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, has called for stronger collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle financial crimes, protect recovered assets and strengthen security operations in Rivers State.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dennis Lesor Reuben, made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
Reuben, who led senior officers of the Corps on the visit, was received by the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1), Hassan Saidu.
The NSCDC commandant said the visit was part of deliberate efforts to strengthen the operational relationship between the two agencies and improve inter-agency cooperation in the fight against crime.
He stressed that security and law-enforcement agencies could not operate effectively in isolation, noting that regular engagement, information sharing, exchange of ideas and mutual support were essential to addressing emerging security challenges.
“We have decided to make time from our very tight schedule to ensure that we meet security agencies that we cannot do without in the course of our duties. We must meet, share ideas, and support each other,” Reuben said.
According to him, officers of both agencies, particularly personnel operating on the frontline, need to develop stronger professional relationships that would facilitate intelligence sharing and enhance operational effectiveness.
Read Also: rivers-police-rescue-kidnap-victim-arrest-suspect-recover-firearms
NSCDC Seeks EFCC Support for Training and Capacity Building
Reuben pledged the NSCDC’s continued support for the EFCC while calling for increased cooperation from the Commission, particularly in the areas of capacity building, professional development and joint training.
“Our doors are open for anything you think we can do to contribute to your service; please don’t hesitate to call upon us. We are also demanding your support, including capacity building and training, so that we can flow together,” he said.
Responding, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Hassan Saidu, commended the NSCDC delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the strong relationship between the two agencies.
Saidu said the partnership between the EFCC and NSCDC was crucial to the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes, as well as the management and protection of assets recovered from suspected proceeds of crime.
“There is a strong bond between the NSCDC and the EFCC; you cannot talk about one without the other. Our work cannot be complete without the NSCDC,” he said.
EFCC Commends NSCDC for Protecting Recovered Assets
Saidu specifically acknowledged the role of the NSCDC in securing assets recovered by the EFCC, including seized vessels and real estate properties.
He explained that the cooperation between the agencies was important in preserving such assets pending the conclusion of legal processes and their eventual forfeiture to the Federal Government.
The EFCC official also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustained inter-agency training, information sharing and operational cooperation.
He described unity among security and law-enforcement agencies as critical to strengthening national security, combating economic and financial crimes and creating an environment conducive to development in Rivers State and Nigeria.
The meeting highlighted the need for deeper cooperation between the NSCDC and EFCC in the areas of financial crime investigations, intelligence sharing, joint training, asset protection and other security operations.
The renewed partnership is expected to further strengthen the security architecture in Rivers State while supporting ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and safeguard government assets.
