The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission announced that it dismissed 27 of its officers last year due to misconduct and fraudulent activities.

The anti-graft agency also stated that it was investigating “a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.”

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, made this disclosure in a statement on Monday.

He explained that the dismissals were based on recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were approved by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

“In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its fold of fraudulent elements, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dismissed 27 officers from its workforce in 2024,” Oyewale said. “Their dismissal, following the recommendation of the Staff Disciplinary Committee of the EFCC, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.”

The statement quoted the EFCC Chairman as reaffirming the commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, stressing that no officer is exempt from disciplinary action.

He also assured the public that all allegations against EFCC staff would be thoroughly investigated, including a trending claim involving $400,000 against a Sectional Head by a supposed EFCC staff member.

“The core values of the commission remain sacrosanct and will always be upheld,” Olukoyede said, reiterating the commission’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability at all levels.

In addition, the EFCC warned the public about impersonators and blackmailers exploiting the name of its chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects under investigation.

“The commission also wishes to alert the public to the sinister activities of impersonators and blackmailers using the name of its Executive Chairman to extort money from high-profile suspects being investigated by the EFCC,” the statement read.

The EFCC revealed that two members of an alleged syndicate, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim, were recently arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

The pair allegedly contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, and demanded $1 million to secure a “soft landing” in a non-existent investigation.

The commission pointed out that similar criminal elements are still at large and urged the public to report such individuals.

Oyewale further emphasised that the EFCC Chairman is a man of integrity who cannot be influenced by monetary offers.

“Olukoyede remains a man of integrity who cannot be swayed by monetary influences. The public is enjoined to report such disreputable elements to the commission.”

The EFCC is also aware of attempts to blackmail its officers through unscrupulous means.

“Suspects under investigation for economic and financial crimes, who have failed to compromise their investigators, often resort to blackmail. These blackmailers should not be given any attention,” Oyewale added.

Gunmen have reportedly imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area of Zamfara State.

The gunmen are allegedly led by “Danisuhu,” a notorious bandit leader.

“Zagazola Makama,” a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the levies were accompanied by demands for in-kind contributions, including bags of soybeans, and threats of violence against those who fail to comply.

The report added that these demands have forced hundreds of residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods.

Makama stated that the targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million + 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), Kurar Mota (N6 million), Sabon Garin Bakin Gulbi (N2.5 million), Kibari (N3 million), Karda (N5 million), Daga Ciki (N3 million), Biya (N5 million), Barebari (N6 million), Kauyen Magaji (N7 million), Kwaren Maisaje (N10 million), Magazawa (N10 million), Maciya (N5 million), and Unguwar Danhalima (N5 million).

Others are Unguwar Rogo (N5 million), Katanga (N5 million), Magazu (N5 million), Sungawa (N15 million), Rakyabu (N15 million), Yalwa (N2.7 million), Tsageru (N5 million), Gidan Anne (N7 million), and Kunchin Kalgo (N20 million).

“Hundreds of residents of these villages have reportedly abandoned their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in fear of violent reprisals for failing to meet the demands,” the report reads.

Makama quoted a local source as describing the situation as dire.

“The inability to pay these levies often results in brutal attacks by the bandits, leaving the residents with no option but to flee,” the source said.

“While security has improved along the Funtua-Tsafe axis and in Tsafe town, these gains have yet to extend to the rural villages of Tsafe West.”

The report added that residents have called for more security personnel and permanent posts in Tsafe West, alongside emergency relief for displaced residents.

Five soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been reportedly killed in an ambush by members of the “Islamic State West Africa Province” (“ISWAP”) in Borno state.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the attack occurred on January 4 in Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA of Borno.

The report added that the ambush triggered a two-hour firefight, resulting in the death of five soldiers and the destruction of some military equipment.

The publication also reported that the air component of the operation “Hadin Kai” targeted “ISWAP’s” stronghold with airstrikes within the Timbuktu Triangle, in Borno.

“In response to escalating insurgent activities, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation “Hadin Kai” conducted targeted airstrikes on “ISWAP” strongholds within the Timbuktu Triangle, a critical area in Borno state known for its difficult terrain and strategic importance to the insurgents,” Makama said.

“Intelligence sources confirmed that the precision airstrikes dismantled several “ISWAP” positions and disrupted their operational capabilities.

“A significant number of terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the operation.

“Additionally, airstrikes were carried out against Boko Haram factions in the Gwoza axis of the Mandara mountain range.

“The offensive targeted insurgents loyal to Ali Ngulde, a key Boko Haram commander, as part of ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist networks in the region.”