A medical doctor has been involved in the fatal shooting of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officer during a nighttime encounter in Anambra. The incident occurred amidst heightened insecurity in the region, leading the doctor to believe he was defending himself against armed robbers.
The involved physician, who has no known connections to illicit activities, reportedly used a licensed pump-action shotgun. Typically, the EFCC is required to notify local law enforcement prior to conducting operations in any area; however, this protocol was not adhered to during their mission in Awka that night.
When the doctor sought confirmation regarding the EFCC’s operation from the relevant security agencies, he was informed that they were unaware of the EFCC’s presence. Under the impression he was being confronted by kidnappers, he fired shots when the officers forcibly entered his residence at midnight. Unfortunately, two EFCC operatives sustained injuries during the incident. Once he realized they were from the EFCC, the doctor immediately relinquished his weapon.
The EFCC’s operations in Anambra have sparked significant concern. Initially, they attempted a raid in a certain area but were intercepted by local police who were not informed of the operation. According to the EFCC, a shortage of personnel necessitated a change in strategy, leading them to target a smaller location. They forcibly entered an estate and selected apartments to search based on the types of vehicles parked outside, raising questions about the operational procedures of the EFCC’s Enugu zonal office. It remains unclear why they proceeded with their operation without notifying local authorities, particularly given the prevailing insecurity in the state.
While the loss of an EFCC staff member is indeed tragic, it highlights the urgent need for a revised operational strategy. The current approach of the EFCC, which resembles that of criminals, warrants reevaluation. The narrative presented to the media, suggesting that “Yahoo boys” were responsible for the shooting of EFCC operatives, appears to be a deflection from the inadequacies of their operational methods that night in Awka.
It is imperative for the EFCC to conduct thorough investigations prior to making arrests or issuing invitations. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission must adapt its strategies to be more intelligence-driven.
