From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a grand Passing Out Parade Ceremony, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) celebrated the completion of the basic law enforcement training of Detective Inspector Cadet Course 6/2022.
The ceremony, held Thursday, at Ende Hill, Nasarawa Eggon Local government area of Nasarawa State marked the culmination of nine months of rigorous training for the 115 cadets, consisting of 96 males and 19 females.
Recall that ‘The EFCC, Nigeria’s leading law enforcement agency, has been at the forefront of combating economic and financial crimes in the country. The event also highlighted the revitalization of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), which now operates within the EFCC.
Addressing the cadets and distinguished guests, the Chairman of the EFCC, Abdul-Rasheed Bawa expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force for their collaborative support throughout the Commission’s journey.
He specifically thanked the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba CFR, for making the Police Mobile Force Training College accessible to the EFCC. The Chairman also commended the Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Commander Ayo Peter Olowonihi, and his training team for their invaluable contributions.
The Chairman acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Federal Government in enabling the recruitment of new officers to strengthen the EFCC.
He expressed deep appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to combat corruption and his support in passing three crucial legislations: the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022; and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. These laws have significantly aided the EFCC in achieving convictions, with a total of 3,785 convictions secured in 2022 alone.
Despite its enforcement and prosecution successes, he said the EFCC remains dedicated to its prevention mandate. As part of its strategic objectives for 2021-2025, the Commission actively engages the public through virtual town-hall meetings on Twitter every Wednesday.
Additionally, Bawa said integrity clubs in secondary schools and Zero Tolerance clubs in tertiary institutions have been established nationwide to educate and discourage young individuals from engaging in financial crimes, especially cybercrime and advance fee fraud.
Bawa further stressed that during their training, the cadets received “comprehensive instruction in operational studies, legal studies, financial studies, forensics, counterterrorism, and general studies. They were also introduced to the policies and manuals of the Commission, providing them with the necessary guidance for their conduct within and outside the EFCC.”
He added that the training included drill exercises, unarmed combat techniques, arms training, marksmanship principles, and shooting range exercises to instill discipline, endurance, and patience.
Expressing his pride in the cadets’ transformation, the Chairman emphasized their crucial role in the fight against economic and financial crimes. He urged them to remain committed to their profession, highlighting that law enforcement in this field is a national service that takes years to build but can be destroyed in an instant.
Representing the commandant of the Nigeria Police Force, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Orutugu I Livingstein, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Muhammed Yakubu NDA expressed gratitude for the close relationship between the police force and the EFCC.
He acknowledged the importance of their partnership in ensuring a crime-free society in Nigeria. ACP NDA emphasized that the police would continue to support and collaborate with the EFCC in their mission to combat economic and financial crimes.
The EFCC Academy’s Commandant, CE Ayo Peter Olowonihi, took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the EFCC Chairman for his unwavering support in organizing the passing out parade.
He also extended gratitude to the commandant of the Nigeria Police Force for their assistance in training and providing necessary facilities.
Olowonihi commended the seamless cooperation between EFCC and police trainers, which greatly contributed to the success of the training program.
Olowonihi applauded the dedication and perseverance of the graduants who underwent intensive training for over nine months. He praised their adaptability and performance during the parade, showcasing the outcome of their two-week tutelage. The Commandant recognized the remarkable achievements of the cadets, stating that this particular set had broken records during their training.
The presence of parents and well-wishers at the ceremony was highly appreciated by Olowonihi, recognizing the important role they played in supporting the graduants throughout their training journey. He further highlighted the exceptional accomplishments of the cadets, underscoring their commitment and determination.