Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Abdulkarim Ckukkol Friday offered an insight into how the anti-graft agency has managed to erase the odious image of Nigeria as a 419 hub.
Chukkol gave the explanation on the occasion of the Passing out Parade of 332 Detective Assistant Cadet Course 4/2023 held at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga in Nasarawa state.
According to him, the odious image of Nigeria as a 419 hub, with the attendant negative effect on the economy was erased through the commission’s investigation activities which he said also led to the recovery of asset running into billions of Naira.
In addition to enforcement activities, Chukkol noted that the commission continued the quest to sanitize the system with its prevention mandate with relentless vigor through engagement with different stakeholders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.
Noting that the EFCC in its 20 years of existence has made a huge difference in the affairs of the nation, he disclosed that the commission secured a total of 3785 convictions in 2022, a figure he referred to as the highest by any law enforcement agency in Nigeria in a single year, adding: “Between January and now, the Commission recorded 1688 convictions.”
Chukkol said the figures are bound to increase as more cases are brought to conclusion in the courts.
Addressing the cadets, he said: “You must be committed to the profession you have signed up for. Know that law enforcement, especially fighting economic and financial crimes, is a crucial national service, a career which takes years to build but could be destroyed in a moment of careless indiscretion or poor judgement.
“For you to run this race and fulfill your dream as an EFCC officer, you must at all times stay focused and uphold the values of the Commission which are Integrity, Courage, Professionalism and Collaboration.
“I must also sound a note of warning that the Commission will not condone any indiscipline, as violation of the established code of conduct will be met with appropriate sanctions. My prayers for you is that you will stay out of trouble all through your careers and make your parents, the Commission and the nation, which has invested so much in your training, proud.”
According to the Chairman, the induction of new cadets into the EFCC is expected to bolster the efforts of the commission to consolidate on the achievements of the past and secure its place as a premier law enforcement agency not only Nigeria but the world.
“From the feedback I have received from the instructors, I am pleased that the cadets proved themselves, having been transformed through training and are now ready to contribute their quota to the fight against corruption.”
On his part, acting commandant, EFCC academy, Babashani Umar Sanda urged the cadets to remember the principles of integrity, courage and professionalism which has been instilled in them, maintaining that they should carry the values as their compass that will guide them through the challenges
and triumphs that lie ahead.
