EFCC, DSS to deepen cooperation against oil theft in N’Delta

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have pledged to deepen collaboration in a bid to rid the Niger Delta of crude oil thieves and other maritime-related economic crimes.

New Zonal Head, Port Harcourt Office of the EFCC, Usman Imam, made this known when he went on a familiarisation visit to the Rivers State headquarters of the DSS in Port Harcourt.

Imam, who was received by the State Director of DSS, H. B. Abdullahi, said the essence of the visit was to familiarise himself with the DSS leadership in the state with a view to deepening the existing partnership and collaboration between the two agencies.

“I am new in Port Harcourt and will need the support of critical stakeholders in the state as the EFCC cannot do it alone,” Imam said.

While assuring the DSS of EFCC’s support towards the common objective of national safety and security, he noted that the Niger Delta has peculiar economic crimes that are complex and multidimensional, which make effective deterrence much contingent on a robust synergy and cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

Responding, Abdullahi said the excellent relationship has existed between the two organisations in the state and assured that the relationship would continue.

“Take it from me, the synergy is 100 per cent. The relationship with EFCC has been wonderful and we hope it continues,” he said.