The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered $700 million in stolen funds stashed in foreign accounts and N7.3 billion linked to abandoned projects across local government areas in Nigeria’s Northwest and Northeast.

 

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), disclosed this on Thursday during a one-day media dialogue with journalists in Kano. He added that the Commission also seized 14 buildings, 25 plots of land and three farmlands from individuals involved in corruption.

 

Dr. Aliyu highlighted the crucial role of the media in sustaining the anti-corruption drive, noting a growing citizen resistance to bribery and graft in the northern regions.

 

Citing a joint UNODC–NBS survey, he revealed that the Northwest recorded the country’s highest bribe-refusal rate at 76%, while the Northeast followed with 60%. Reported bribery incidents in both regions rose from 4.7% in 2019 to 13.4% in 2023, while formal actions on reported cases tripled during the same period.

 

“These are not just statistics; they tell real stories of Nigerians refusing to be exploited,” Aliyu said, urging community and religious leaders to foster a culture of integrity.

 

He further pledged to strengthen the Commission’s fight against corruption through enhanced technology deployment and the strategic positioning of operatives across the 36 states to consolidate its gains.