The National Security Adviser, Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd), yesterday asked the newly- graduated cadets of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fight the war against corruption with courage.
He also said the EFCC has made remarkable strides under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the EFCC has become the lead fighter in the war against corruption and economic crimes.
Monguno gave the charge at the passing out of 183 cadets of the Detective Inspector Course 4 at the Nigerian Defence Academy Parade Ground, Ribadu Campus, Kaduna.
The event was the climax of a 13- month rigorous training on the necessary skills of law enforcement.
The NSA urged the operatives to be determined, patriotic, fearless and show no mercy to treasury looters.
He said: “As you enter the services of the EFCC, you must fight this war with courage, bravery, professionalism and a dogged spirit of patriotism as well as determination.
“It was the desire to develop these qualities in you that brought you to the Nigerian Defence Academy in the first place.
“You must carry into your career in the EFCC, the virtues of love for the fatherland, which was inculcated in you right here.
“You must be fearless fighters who will show no mercy to all those who seek to destroy our dear country through corrupt practices”.
He, however, warned the new operatives against compromising their integrity.
He said: “Any erring officer would be shown the way out as the present administration has zero tolerance for corruption”.
“With the advent of President Mohammadu Buhari, the leadership of Nigeria has found the political will to fight corruption”.
“Under the present administration, your organization has made remarkable strides in the recovery of stolen public assets and made significant progress in the investigation of politically exposed persons”.
A statement by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Samin Amaddin, said the NSA asked the new operatives not to lose sight of the fact that “ the EFCC is today the lead fighter in the war against corruption and economic crimes”.
He congratulated the officers and urged Nigerians to “support the EFCC, and, of course, the government in the prosecution of the war against corruption.”
The newly graduated operatives were recruited from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT through rigorous screening process that
featured aptitude test, fitness test and oral interview.
The operatives include 22 females and 161 males.
Four cadets, namely, O. Okpara, E. W Abili, M. O. Adeyeye and C N. Ekeka, were recognized for “exceptional performance in examinations, practical tests and for high degree of discipline, physical fitness and demonstrable leadership.”