The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to boosting global collaboration in the fight against organized immigration crime, through a strengthened alliance with the British Home Office.
This assurance was given during a courtesy visit by a senior delegation from the British Home Office International Operations Team to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
Representing the ICPC Chairman, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSR, emphasized the ICPC’s openness to strategic partnerships aimed at tackling corruption in all forms, including cross-border crimes like immigration fraud. He confirmed the Commission’s readiness to contribute its investigative experience and resources to support the work of the Organized Immigration Crime Unit (OICU).
Mr. Oparaodu further highlighted ICPC’s capacity to provide digital forensic services, including the extraction and analysis of electronic evidence from digital devices — a critical tool in transnational investigations.
The British team, led by International Liaison Officer Mr. Cora Oakley, stated that the purpose of the visit was to update ICPC on the latest strategic priorities of the OICU. Oakley explained that the unit brings together seasoned investigators and prosecutors from Nigeria and the UK to jointly address organized immigration crimes.
He shared that the OICU has already made significant progress, resulting in multiple arrests and ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks that exploit immigration systems in both countries. Oakley credited Nigerian agencies, including the ICPC, for their vital role in these successes and noted that the UK Home Office has supported the OICU with training, investigative tools, operational gear, and vehicles to enhance its effectiveness.
He stressed the importance of continuous cooperation and information exchange, reaffirming the UK’s strong commitment to fighting organized abuse of immigration and visa systems. Oakley also announced plans to boost the skills of Nigerian investigators through intermediate training programs and revealed that a UK-hosted Immigration Crime Summit is on the horizon.
In addition, Oakley confirmed that ICPC has been designated as a key participant in the upcoming UK-Nigeria bilateral talks later this year, acknowledging the Commission’s prior contributions to joint efforts against immigration-related corruption and crime.
The visit ended with both sides pledging to build on past achievements and deepen operational and strategic cooperation in their shared goal of fighting corruption and organized immigration crime.