Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa on Friday tasked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to help in the military’s fight against terrorism by focusing on tracking down the enemies of Nigeria funding terrorism and its terrorists’ acts.
General Musa, who spoke at Defence Headquarters, Abuja when he hosted the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, explained that tracking of terrorism funding is one of the non-kinetic means of fighting terrorism across the globe, which is already being championed by the military.
According to the CDS: “Let me first congratulate on your appointment as the EFCC boss. I want to assure you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not derail from its commitment to ensure the survival of current democratic dispensation.
“Your unique approach of leveraging on the potentials of technology to fight corruption and other forms of economic crimes is quite commendable.”
General Musa noted that the military had zero tolerance for corrupt practices and as such, it adopts the proceedings of a General Court Martial (GCM) to checkmate culpable personnel.
Musa urged the EFCC to encourage public office holders and other Nigerians in positions of authority to uphold good governance to forestall economic breakdown and insecurity.
According to him, the military synergizes with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other stakeholders every day to fight oil theft in the country.
He lamented that the issues of blocking loopholes brought about by siphoning of oil and soft legal system which delays prosecution of suspects have been major challenges.
The military chief harped on the use of census, installation of CCTV Cameras in strategic points to contain cases of corruption, terrorism and other forms of insecurity in the country.
On his part, the EFCC Chairman stated that he was at the Defence Headquarters to explore avenues of cooperation and collaboration in the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.
Olukoyede recalled that on assumption of office, he laid so much emphasis on the need for Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of collaboration, being a key to winning the war against corruption.
The anti-graft agency boss pointed out that the war against corruption must be won, saying the menace has destroyed the nation’s economy and at same time dented her good image.
He warned that if drastic measures are not taken to nip it in the bud, the country would be put into a jeopardy in the next 10 years.
“As a means to mitigate the menace caused by corruption and insecurity, cognitive responsibility has to be embraced by the military and other security agencies.
“The war against corruption should be seen as everybody’s business. Furthermore, military and other security agencies have to join forces in fighting corruption,” he said.
