The Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General AO Balogun, has reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to supporting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in strengthening the fight against corruption, economic sabotage, and financial crimes in Edo State.
General Balogun made the pledge on Monday, 8 December 2025, during a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. The visit comes shortly after he assumed office as Commander of 4 Brigade, headquartered in Benin City.
According to Brig Gen Balogun, the EFCC plays a central role in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial integrity, making it essential for all Nigerians—and especially strategic institutions—to support its mission. He emphasized the importance of partnership in tracking illicit financial flows and preventing economic crimes before they occur.
“The Commission needs the support of critical stakeholders to successfully block or trace the movement of funds and nip financial offences in the bud. If we can detect the flow of funds, we can stop such crimes early,” he stated.
The Commander highlighted the long-standing history of cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the EFCC, particularly in areas such as personnel training, joint operations, and the fight against illegal oil bunkering. He stressed that the goal of the partnership is collective national interest, not rivalry.
“One of the reasons for our visit is to familiarise ourselves with the leadership of the Commission and build on the existing relationship between both institutions. It is not about competition but collaboration. It doesn’t matter who kills the snake as long as the snake is killed,” he added.
General Balogun assured the EFCC of the Army’s readiness to provide all necessary support whenever called upon.
Responding, the Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Office, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, expressed appreciation for the visit and applauded the Army for its show of solidarity.
He stressed that collaboration among institutions remains vital, as no single agency can eradicate crime in isolation.
“We build synergy and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, and the Nigerian Army is a critical stakeholder. Our interest and your interest are the same—to achieve a better Nigeria—so we are ready to work closely with you,” he said.
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