The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, have traveled to the United States of America to hold talks on the anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Among the topics likely to be discussed are the war against corruption, repatriation of looted funds stashed abroad, the Halliburton bribery scandal, the Malabu oil deal scandal and the fate of fleeing former public officials.

This is coming on the heels of President Buhari’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where similar discussions were held between the government of Nigerian and that of the UAE.

Malami and Magu will also take part in a US-Nigeria Bilateral national commission meeting.

According to a source, who spoke to The Nation, Magu has been in the US for the last five days to discuss the anti-graft war with various departments. Malami is expected to join him.

The source stated that: “The AGF and the EFCC chairman are in the US to give status report on the anti-corruption war by the government, areas requiring assistance and how to explore ways of legally ensuring that ex-public officers who have fled to the US return home to account for their tenure.”

“Certainly, the agenda will include some issues like the $180million Halliburton bribery scandal, the $2b Malabu Oil deal, the Abacha loot, money laundering cases, 419 scams and the use of some banks for transactions by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for arms purchase.”

“Some of those involved in the $2.1billion Halliburton scam have relocated to the US for further studies or medical trip. A few others have dual citizenship and decided to take advantage to hide in the US.”

“We need to act within the ambit of the law and collaborate with the US on how to bring back these suspected former public officers to account for their activities in office.”

“For the AGF and the EFCC chairman, they just came on board and it is imperative for them to compare notes and build contacts with relevant departments and security agencies. The discussion might also focus on capacity building for staff of anti-corruption agencies. The FBI had been of help over the years but we need more technical back up to win the war.”

“As a matter of fact, the US had reservations on the anti-corruption policy of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and these observations slowed down exchange of information, sharing of intelligence and coordination of activities between the two countries. The renewed commitment of the government of President Buhari has buoyed the confidence of the US that the anti-corruption war is winnable.”

Another source within the EFCC said that: “The trip was in connection with the Federal Government’s anti-graft war.”

While a source in the state house told The Nation that: “Both the AGF and the EFCC chairman are members of the Nigerian delegation to the US- Nigeria Bi-National Commission where issues of mutual interest and economic benefits are usually discussed. Definitely, the recovery of looted funds will be dominant at the meetings with the AGF and EFCC chairman.”

“You will recall that on his first day in office, the President said. ‘The next three months may be hard, but billions of dollars can be recovered, and we will do our best.’ The intensity of the war against corruption has earned Buhari the confidence of the US and others.”