UNODC seeks partnership with EFCC to tackle crimes

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The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for a more strategic partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to address emerging criminal challenges, including cybercrime and asset recovery.

UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, made this appeal during a courtesy visit to EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Highlighting the complexities of modern crimes, Toure emphasised the need for innovative approaches to counter the misuse of technologies such as artificial intelligence in criminal activities.

“Imagine AI in the hands of a cybercriminal manipulating bitcoins. What will be our line of defense in investigating such cases? It will require new sets of legal understanding and expertise,” he said.

Toure also stressed the importance of international cooperation to tackle challenges in seizing ill-gotten assets, particularly in countries where Nigerians have significant investments.

“I want an effective partnership. Nigeria has a lot of expertise that can help us achieve our goals. We need a strategic collaboration to bring safety and security to our children,” he added.

In response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the UNODC.

He noted the longstanding relationship between the two organizations and the mutual benefits derived from it.

“All that you have said boils down to the need for us to strengthen our relationship and work together. We have had decades of collaboration with the UNODC, and it has been mutually beneficial. Our mandates align closely, particularly in areas like money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of small arms,” Olukoyede stated.

He further emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with international partners, particularly in asset recovery.

“We will continue to build on the existing relationship. There is a need for greater synergy, especially with the United Nations, in recovering stolen assets. We also pledge our full support for your tenure and will cooperate in all areas necessary to achieve our shared goals,” Olukoyede assured.