EFCC to partner with NUJ in fight against illegal mining, cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in its ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and cybercrime across the country.

This was disclosed by Bawa Usman, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate, during a visit to the NUJ Niger State Council in Minna. Usman led a delegation from the Kaduna Zonal Office to seek the support and partnership of journalists in tackling these pressing national issues.

He noted that the EFCC has already made significant arrests of illegal miners but emphasized that the fight against economic and cyber crimes is too extensive for the Commission to handle alone. According to him, the support of the media is crucial in raising awareness, exposing criminal activities, and educating the public.

He added that they want Journalists to own the fight so that together, the agency can curb all the menace and succeed.

Usman disclosed that EFCC has apprehended four Chinese nationals and 21 others in Jos, Plateau state, alongside thirty-three other illegal miners, and they will be taken to court very soon.

While commending Journalists for being strategic partners in the fight against corruption, the EFCC disclosed that the recent operations on cyber crimes in the state are to curb criminality.

Responding, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Abu Nmodu, expressed concerns over the rise of cybercrime in Niger state, saying it is worrisome and we must move against anything bad and seen as a threat.

While assuring the EFCC of the Union’s unflinching support, Nmodu called for collaboration to see that members of the media are trained on best practices in the reportage and dynamics of the Commission’s activities.