The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has joined forces with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle the rising menace of illegal wildlife trafficking, a crime with far-reaching economic and environmental consequences.
The partnership was sealed over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the Oyo/Osun Customs Controller, Comptroller Joseph Adelaja, to the EFCC’s Zonal Office in Ibadan, Oyo State. The meeting focused on intelligence-sharing, operational coordination, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms to disrupt smuggling networks.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdulmalik Akintola, the two agencies pledged to work closely in curbing wildlife smuggling, financial crimes, and illicit trade activities that undermine Nigeria’s economy.
During the meeting, Comptroller Adelaja stressed the urgent need for robust cooperation between security agencies, highlighting that smuggling and financial crimes pose severe threats to Nigeria’s economic stability.
He commended the EFCC for its unwavering efforts in combating economic and financial crimes, including money laundering and illicit trade, which he described as major obstacles to the nation’s growth.
“There is a need for concerted efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, a growing concern with economic and environmental implications,” Adelaja stated. He assured the EFCC of Customs’ commitment to intelligence-sharing, capacity-building, and joint enforcement operations.
In response, EFCC’s Zonal Director, Hajia Hauwa Garba Ringim, reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with the NCS in tackling trans-border crimes, particularly those linked to illegal financial transactions and wildlife smuggling.
“We express our readiness to collaborate with the NCS in addressing financial crimes and illegal trade activities that could hinder the nation’s economic progress,” Ringim said.
She stressed the importance of inter-agency synergy in dismantling criminal syndicates involved in wildlife smuggling and other illicit activities.
The meeting concluded with both agencies reaffirming their commitment to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking and related financial crimes. Comptroller Adelaja expressed gratitude to Hajia Ringim for the warm reception and the opportunity to strengthen ties between the Customs Service and the EFCC.
Senior officials from both agencies attended the meeting, underscoring the seriousness of the collaboration.
