The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has charged newly commissioned officers of the agency to uphold integrity, discipline and patriotism as they begin their careers in the fight against graft.

Speaking on Friday at the Passing Out Parade of 404 cadets at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Mr Olukoyede said the EFCC would not tolerate corruption or compromise within its ranks.

The graduating set comprised 294 detective superintendents and 110 detective inspectors.

“Being an operative of the EFCC carries heavy responsibilities of personal discipline, integrity, courage and accountability,” Mr Olukoyede said. “Integrity, for us, is not a slogan; it is a rule of engagement and an article of faith in the work we do. You cannot offer the nation what you don’t have. Anti-corruption officers must be above board at all times.”

The anti-graft chief reminded the cadets that sanctions against corrupt EFCC officers are “stiff” and warned them to avoid the temptation of betraying their oath of service. He stressed that the EFCC had invested heavily in their training to produce operatives who can compete globally in the enforcement of financial crimes laws.

“The Commission has invested heavily in your training because we believe in turning out officers that are moulded and grounded in sound intellect, physical agility, courageous comportment and accountable conduct,” Mr Olukoyede said. “Our officers are trained to square with, and even tower above, their global counterparts.”

The EFCC boss further argued that tackling corruption in Nigeria requires the energy, drive and commitment of every patriotic citizen. He insisted that the Commission had demonstrated its capacity to handle economic and financial crimes through effective manpower development and called on the new officers to surpass the achievements of their predecessors.

At the event, the reviewing officer, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, congratulated the cadets for their resilience and described their performance at the parade as a sign of hope for Nigeria.

“After witnessing what you have just demonstrated today, we believe that the future of Nigeria is very bright,” Mr Sule said. While commending the EFCC for its role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption war, he urged the National Assembly to create a special court dedicated to handling corruption cases to quicken justice delivery.

The Senate committee chairman on anti-corruption and financial crimes, Emmanuel Udende, and his House of Representatives counterpart, Ginger Onwusibe, also delivered goodwill messages, charging the new officers to embody professionalism and patriotism in their duties.

Some cadets received special recognition for outstanding performance during training. Amagiya Efe Princewill was named the overall best cadet in the superintendent category, while Sanni Ayoola Blessing emerged as the overall best in the inspector cadre.