In a bid to tackle the twin scourges of corruption and insecurity, the Edo State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has moved to deepen its partnership with the Nigerian Army. The move underscores a growing recognition that institutional corruption directly fuels violent crime and undermines national stability.
The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Edo State, Barrister Adenekan Shogunle, fsi, paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the 4th Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Benin City, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun. The engagement marked a significant step towards a more coordinated, multi-agency approach to upholding integrity and public safety in the region.
During the meeting, Barrister Shogunle conveyed the warm compliments and best wishes of the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN. He lauded the Nigerian Army for its sustained operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Edo State and its environs, singling out Brigadier General Balogun’s leadership in ongoing security operations aimed at protecting lives and maintaining public order.
Beyond formal commendations, the ICPC Commissioner used the platform to advocate for a transformative national policy. He argued that Nigeria would benefit from introducing compulsory military service for young people; not necessarily as combat personnel, but as a strategic framework to instil discipline, courage, national consciousness and respect for lawful authority.
“Stronger national values anchored in discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility are essential to any lasting anti-corruption drive,” he noted.
Barrister Shogunle thanked the military for its patriotic service to Nigeria, while also stressing that voluntary civic virtue must be reinforced through structured, state-led initiatives that cultivate integrity from an early age.
In his response, Brigadier General Balogun drew a sharp link between corruption and insecurity, describing them as deeply interconnected challenges. According to the Brigade Commander, corruption weakens public institutions, erodes trust in government, and creates the very conditions in which criminality thrives. “The fight against insecurity cannot be successfully prosecuted without simultaneously addressing corruption in all its forms,” he emphasised.
The General warmly welcomed the ICPC delegation and pledged the Nigerian Army’s continued support and cooperation for anti-corruption operations in Edo State. As a tangible gesture of goodwill and institutional solidarity, Brigadier General Balogun invited Barrister Shogunle to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the Brigade’s monthly officers’ celebration.
The visit concluded with the exchange of plaques and souvenirs between the two leaders, a symbolic reaffirmation of mutual respect, partnership and a shared commitment to national service.