EFCC recovers N248b, $105m, other confiscated assets in 2024 – ONSA

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) announced on Monday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reclaimed over N248 billion, $105 million, and 753 duplexes in its asset recovery efforts.

This was disclosed by the Director of Legal at ONSA, Mr. Zakari Mijinyawa, during the Strategic Communications Inter-Agency Policy Committee Meeting. He further stated that the EFCC has secured an impressive 3,455 convictions as of October 2024.

Mijinyawa also highlighted the success of a joint military operation, coordinated by the National Security Adviser (NSA), which resulted in the rescue of 36 abducted farmers on December 8, 2024. The operation, which included collaboration with vigilantes, was part of ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the region.

In the fight against oil theft, Mijinyawa reported that the military prevented the theft of oil valued at over N57.05 billion. He underscored the military’s ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s oil resources, with specific operations targeting illegal refinery sites and oil bunkering activities.

The EFCC’s work in 2024 has been marked by key legal and operational reforms, including the creation of new departments such as Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) and the restructuring of zonal offices. The EFCC also launched the EFCC 97.3FM radio station to further its public education efforts. Notably, four former governors, three ex-ministers, and a former Central Bank governor are currently facing trial for money laundering and other financial crimes.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also made notable strides, recovering N29.685 billion in cash and $966,900 in assets. The ICPC tracked 1,500 constituency and executive projects nationwide and processed 851 petitions, leading to 35 convictions through its special task force against naira abuse. Additionally, the commission participated in high-level anti-corruption events, including Nigeria’s re-election to the GlobE Network Steering Committee.

In terms of military operations, the Armed Forces of Nigeria achieved significant results in 2024, including the neutralization of 8,034 terrorists and the rescue of 6,376 hostages. The military also seized 8,216 weapons and over 211,000 rounds of ammunition. Operation Delta Sanity, launched by the Nigerian Navy in January 2024, successfully targeted crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, seizing multiple illegal refinery sites and recovering stolen crude oil.

The Nigeria Police Force demonstrated its commitment to tackling crime, arresting over 30,000 suspects and rescuing 1,581 kidnapped victims. Noteworthy operations included the rescue of 89 victims from armed bandits in Kaduna State and the foiling of a kidnapping attempt in Delta State. In Kebbi State, 36 abducted farmers were freed in a joint operation with the military and vigilantes.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made significant progress in combating drug trafficking, arresting 14,480 individuals and seizing 2.37 million kilograms of illicit drugs. Through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, the NDLEA sensitized over 1.3 million people across 3,064 activities, while providing treatment and rehabilitation for 6,655 individuals.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) successfully managed the safe custody of over 80,000 inmates and provided vocational training for 30,000 inmates. The service also supervised 50,000 offenders on non-custodial measures. The NCoS launched several initiatives to support rehabilitation, including a new studio and starter packages for ex-offenders.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) exceeded its revenue target, collecting N5.49 trillion in 2024, and seized a range of illicit goods, including arms, ammunition, and stolen petrol. The NCS also introduced several new initiatives to improve trade facilitation and enforcement.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) made significant progress in infrastructure development and policy implementation, including the completion of the Technology Complex for border monitoring. The NIS also launched the Complete Automated Passport Acquisition System (CAPAS) and the New Visa Policy 2024.

Finally, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) successfully distributed 42,000 metric tons of food to vulnerable populations and launched a Resettlement Scheme for Conflict-Affected Persons in seven states. NEMA also responded to flooding in states like Maiduguri, Jigawa, and Kogi, providing relief items and improving disaster preparedness through nationwide hazard risk analysis in partnership with UNICEF.

These achievements reflect the collective efforts of Nigeria’s security and regulatory agencies in combating crime, improving governance, and ensuring national security in 2024.