By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their joint commitment to combatting transnational immigration crimes through deeper strategic collaboration.
In a statement made available by Demola Bakare, spokesperson of the Commission, the renewed cooperation was formalised during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from the British Home Office International Operations Team to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSR, highlighted the Commission’s readiness to support international efforts under the framework of the Organized Immigration Crime Unit (OICU), a joint Nigeria-UK initiative.
Oparaodu emphasized that the ICPC would leverage its institutional capabilities including digital forensic expertise and advanced investigative tools to support cross-border investigations into immigration-related offences and corruption.
“The ICPC remains committed to partnering with credible international actors to tackle crimes that transcend borders. Our digital forensic labs and operational experience are available to strengthen ongoing investigations under the OICU framework,” he stated.
The British delegation was led by Mr. Cora Oakley, the International Liaison Officer for the Home Office, who used the opportunity to brief the Commission on the strategic direction and recent successes of the OICU. Oakley noted that the unit had already recorded significant achievements, including arrests and the disruption of syndicates exploiting immigration systems in both countries.
Oakley further commended the ICPC’s critical contributions to the OICU’s progress and outlined various forms of support the UK Government has extended to the initiative. These include capacity-building training, investigative tools, and operational resources such as a dedicated vehicle to improve mobility.
Highlighting future engagements, Oakley announced that the ICPC has been formally included as a key participant in the upcoming UK-Nigeria bilateral talks later this year. He also disclosed plans to host an Immigration Crime Summit in the UK, with ICPC participation expected to play a central role.
He stressed the importance of continued inter-agency collaboration and information sharing in dismantling organised crime networks, especially those exploiting visa and migration frameworks for illicit gain.
The meeting concluded with both parties pledging to deepen their cooperation, enhance operational efficiency, and sustain momentum in tackling corruption and transnational organised immigration crime.
