- Comptroller Jaiyeoba praised the Commander for her visit and emphasized the EFCC’s crucial role in combating illegal mining activities and cybercrime in the state
- She called for a more robust collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service
The Nigeria Customs Service Oyo State Area Command and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibadan Zonal Command have committed to work together to combat illegal mining in the state.
When the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Halima Mustafa Rufa’u, paid a courtesy call to the Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, the Oyo, Osun states Customs Area Controller, the agencies made the commitment.
While expressing her gratitude for the kind welcome she received, Rufa’u criticised the danger that illegal solid mineral entrepreneurs in the area represent to the expansion of the country’s economy.
“I am glad to be here today on this familiarization visit but more importantly, this visit offers an opportunity to deliberate on how best to tackle the menace of illegal mining in Oyo, Osun and Ekiti States.
“It saddens me to see that our natural resources that should have been used to develop our country, build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, improve our educational system, etc. are being mismanaged by unscrupulous individuals for their personal gains.
“But the EFCC is undeterred by the antics of corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal mining operations and will ensure that extant laws against illegal miners are enforced,” she said.
She called for a more robust collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Responding, Comptroller Jaiyeoba appreciated the Commander for the visit and commended her for the critical roles the EFCC was playing to combat illegal mining activities and cybercrime in the state.
He expressed confidence in the competence of both organizations to tackle the menace head-on.
“This visit is coming at the right time, when there is an increase in illegal mining activities in the State but I can assure you that the fight will be won given the fact that both organizations are willing and ready to partner against the illegal activities”, the Comptroller said.