By correspondent in Minna.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has solicited the support and cooperation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Nigeria State Council,to enhance its efforts in curbing economic and financial crimes across the country.
The Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in charge of Kaduna and Niger States, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Niger State Council of the NUJ in Minna on Wednesday.
Kaltungo emphasized the importance of partnership with journalists, especially in the fight against illegal mining, cybercrime, and other financial crimes affecting the Nigerian economy.
He noted that such collaboration would help provide accurate information to Nigerians about the Commission’s activities and demystify its operations.
“The fight against economic crimes should not be left to the EFCC alone. That is why we are here today to solicit for partnership with journalists so that, together, we can all join hands to fight the menace and succeed,” Kaltungo said.
He decried the growing trend among Nigerian youths to embrace the “get-rich-quick” syndrome, lamenting the decline in values of hard work and dedication.
Kaltungo disclosed that the EFCC recently arrested four Chinese nationals and 21 others in Jos, Plateau State, in connection with illegal mining operations.
He added that the suspects, alongside 33 other illegal miners, would soon be arraigned in court.
The acting zonal director also dismissed claims that recent EFCC raids in Niger State were carried out by impostors, stating categorically that the operatives were legitimate officers of the Commission.
He noted that the raids were part of a strategic move to stem the activities of cybercriminals who now consider Niger State a safe haven for their operations.
“We have arrested many internet fraudsters through intelligence gathering, and we want Nigerians to know that the officers who carried out the operations were not fake; they were duly authorized EFCC personnel,” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, expressed concern over the rising rate of cybercrime in the state and pledged the Union’s readiness to partner with the EFCC through accurate and responsible reportage.
“The rate at which youths are getting involved in cybercrime is worrisome.
I assure you that journalists in Niger State are willing to join hands with you to combat this threat,” Nmodu stated.
He, however,appealed for collaboration in training and capacity-building programmes to equip journalists with the skills needed to report EFCC activities more effectively and in line with global best practices.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
