The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has identified Niger State as a preferred safe haven for cyber criminals to carry out their illicit activities, according to the acting Zonal Director of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Kaltumgo Usman. Usman revealed this information during a visit to the Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he discussed the EFCC’s partnership with the NUJ to combat illegal mining and cybercrime in the state.
During his meeting with journalists, Usman emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to tackle the growing menace of cybercrime in Niger State. He highlighted the recent arrests of several illegal miners and emphasized the importance of journalists in raising awareness and providing information to help in curbing these criminal activities.
Usman stated, “The fight against these crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC as it is too massive for us to handle alone. We seek the support and involvement of journalists so that collectively, we can combat this menace and achieve success.”
Furthermore, Usman disclosed that the EFCC had apprehended four Chinese nationals, 21 others in Jos, Plateau State, and 33 illegal miners, all of whom would soon face prosecution. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to cracking down on cybercriminals who view Niger State as a safe haven for their fraudulent activities.
Acknowledging the crucial role of journalists in the fight against corruption, Usman praised the journalists for their strategic partnership and reiterated that the recent operations against cybercrime were aimed at eradicating criminal activities in the state.
In response, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Abu Nmodu, expressed deep concerns over the rise of cybercrime in Niger State and emphasized the need to combat any form of criminal activity that poses a threat to the society. Nmodu pledged the union’s unwavering support to the EFCC and called for collaboration to ensure that media personnel are adequately trained on the best practices for reporting on the activities of the Commission.
As the EFCC intensifies its efforts to clamp down on cybercriminals and illegal mining activities in Niger State, the collaboration between the agency and the NUJ is expected to yield positive results in combating these criminal activities. Journalists play a crucial role in raising awareness, gathering information, and promoting transparency in the fight against corruption and cybercrime, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians.