By Cosmas Enahoro (Edo State Correspondent)
The Benin-City Zonal Commander of the National Agency For Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Ijeoma Uduak, has affirmed her support for the anti-corruption mandate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC), stressing that human trafficking and money laundering are inter-related.
She made the disclosure on Wednesday in Benin-City, Edo State, while on a Courtesy Visit to the Benin zonal office of EFCC. According to her, NAPTIP has critical roles to play in curbing corrupt practices, because some human traffickers have been linked to money laundering. . "NAPTIP is a critical stakeholder in this our corruption fight, as human trafficking and money laundering are intertwined", she said.
Uduak, therefore, sought collaboration with the EFCC, as an important means of deepening the anti-corruption fight. "We need the collaboration of other stakeholders, especially the EFCC to curb human trafficking. Crime is like a sequence. That's why we need to collaborate and synergise in curbing crime".
Thomas Kadiri, the Benin deputy zonal head of the EFCC, who represented the zonal head, Muhtar S. Bello, while welcoming the NAPTIP officials, said the EFCC was ever willing to collaborate with sister agencies in curbing all forms of corruption. "I welcome you on behalf of the acting Chairman, Umar.A.Mohammed. I must tell you, that you are in the right place and seeking to collaborate with the Commission is a welcome development".
He said the EFCC would render any support and assistance it can to NAPTIP. "Our office is open to everyone who wishes to collaborate with the EFCC. Just knock on our door whenever you need our help and we will be willing to lend our support", he said. NNL.