The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has expressed readiness to join forces with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, to tackle illegal mining and cybercrime in Niger State.
The acting EFCC Zonal Director, in charge of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, stated this when he led a team from his office to the NUJ, Niger State Council, in Minna.
He explained that the fight against these crimes is not for the EFCC alone because it is too big for the commission to handle, hence the need for partnership with the NUJ to combat them.
“This collaboration aims to leverage the media's strategic role in combating corruption and promoting transparency,” Kaltungo stated.
The acting Zonal Director disclosed that the EFCC has apprehended four Chinese nationals and 21 others in Jos, Plateau State, alongside 33 other illegal miners who will soon face trial.
He also revealed that the commission is intensifying efforts to curb cybercrime in Niger State, which has become a safe haven for cybercriminals.
According to him, “Several internet fraudsters have been arrested through intelligence gathering.”
“We want Nigerians to know that the officers who raided the places are not illegal EFCC agents but are our men.”
The State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Abu Nmodu, in his response, expressed worries over the rising tide of cybercrime in Niger State and pledged to support the EFCC.
The chairman also requested training for its members on best practices in reporting the EFCC's activities.
