The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has detained 10 of its own officers from the Lagos Zonal Command amid allegations of theft involving operational items. The EFCC confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday, underscoring that the action is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure internal reforms and maintain integrity within its ranks.
The detained officials, who were apprehended last week, are being questioned about the stolen items that they failed to account for. The arrests came following direct orders from EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, who emphasized that the investigation is part of the commission’s broader strategy to root out corruption among its staff.
“The EFCC is committed to internal cleansing, and any officers found guilty will face appropriate disciplinary actions,” the statement read.
This is not the first time the EFCC has conducted internal investigations. In 2016, the agency made headlines when one of its operatives was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of N15 million (approximately $9,717) from a lawmaker under investigation.
The latest development highlights the EFCC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, as it continues its battle against corruption within both public and private sectors in Nigeria.