By Nkechi Eze
The acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Assistant Commander Adebayo Adeniyi, has urged enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to tackle economic and financial crimes more effectively.
In an official statement, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that Adeniyi made the call during a courtesy visit to the office of the Zonal Coordinator of the NCS, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Speaking at the meeting, Adeniyi highlighted the critical role of the NCS in national security and economic protection, emphasizing that sustained collaboration between both agencies is essential to dismantle criminal networks undermining the nation’s economic growth.
“The EFCC places high value on strategic partnerships with sister agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service. Through intelligence sharing and joint operations, we can more effectively tackle economic and financial crimes and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests,” Adeniyi said.
He further urged the Customs Service to support the EFCC through data analysis, information sharing, and the watch-listing of suspects.
In response, AC Babandede commended the EFCC for its continuous efforts in fighting economic and financial crimes. He reaffirmed the commitment of the NCS to supporting the EFCC’s mandate, stressing that cooperation between the agencies is vital to national security and economic prosperity.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to working closely with the EFCC to curb smuggling, revenue leakages, and other forms of economic sabotage. Our collaboration is essential to achieving a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” Babandede stated.
The meeting underscored the growing recognition of inter-agency collaboration as a key strategy in Nigeria’s fight against financial and economic crimes, highlighting intelligence sharing and joint operations as critical tools in safeguarding national interests.
