Security Challenges: Importance of Intelligence cannot be overemphasized

The secret behind the successes recorded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the fight against corruption was the attention the Commission pays intelligence gathering.

The Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, disclosed this on Monday, June 17, 2019 to the Basic Intelligence Officers Course 12 of the Defence Intelligence Agency during their study tour at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja.

The Commandant of the Academy, Dr. David Tukura, who spoke on behalf of the EFCC boss noted that the importance of utilizing intelligence in curbing security challenges in the country cannot be overemphasized.

“Do not let your feet go where your mind has not gone is a quote I read on a plaque at the training ground of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, which further explains the importance of planning as regards intelligence,” Magu said.

In his remark, the Deputy Commandant, Defence Intelligence College, Karu, Abuja, Group Captain E.C. Ukpong, who led the delegation to the EFCC Academy said the purpose of the study tour was to avail the participants with adequate knowledge that will enable them write on the theme of the tour which is: “Harnessing the Potentials of Globalization in the Fight against Corruption for Nigeria’s National Security”.

Magu explained how globalization has enhanced the fight against corruption, noting that no one can run away from globalization which has turned the world into a global village. Globalization, Magu said has enhanced the way governance, economy and social relationships evolve in today’s world.

He further explained that globalization has greatly impacted the activities of the EFCC in the area of intelligence gathering, dissemination and asset tracking, which he said the Commission achieves through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, MLAT, and collaboration with the EGMONT Group.

Magu also disclosed that national security was improving through the advancement of technology brought about by globalization. He listed the emergence of e-commerce, digital health and electronic payment systems which are instrumental to the tracing of illicit funds transfer and counter-terrorism financing as tools that have helped to reduce poverty and corruption.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Amos Ukafia, in his vote of thanks stated that the study tour has given them better education on arms proliferation, money laundering, terrorist financing and how globalization was helping in the fight against corruption and improving the country’s national security.