The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched anti-money laundering units in an effort to combat financial crimes.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who introduced the development appointed renowned financial expert, CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, and officers of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) to lead the units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) across the country.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Wednesday, the initiative is a strategic move to strengthen the police’s role in national security, specifically in combatting financial crimes.
ACP Adejobi noted that it is also critical in countering the sophisticated methods used by terrorist organisations and other criminal entities to finance their activities.
“The establishment underscores the Force’s commitment to safeguarding national security by preventing and detecting illicit financial activities that could undermine the country’s stability. It also enhances the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in furtherance of its global oversight functions, to address various security threats.
“As a testament to the zeal to curb financial crimes and boost national security, the Police recently made significant arrests in Kano and Nasarawa States. On December 8, 2024, at Gwale, Kano, operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Nura Ibrahim and discovered counterfeit currency, which included the sum of N129,542,823,000 in counterfeit currencies, with a breakdown of 3,366,000 in Counterfeit US Dollars, 51,970 in Counterfeit CFA franc, and 1,443,000 in counterfeit Naira. The arrest led to further arrests of accomplices Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi.
“Similarly, on January 13, 2025, the Force arrested 53-year-old Ephraim Barde in New Karu, Nasarawa State, with counterfeit U.S. dollar notes totalling $160,000. Following the arrest, further investigations are underway to determine the full scope of Barde’s involvement and identify any accomplices. The Police are committed to preventing further threats to the nation’s financial system,” the statement partly read.
The NPF said that it remains resolute in its efforts to combat financial crimes and ensure a secure economic environment, with a view to promoting national security for the safety of all Nigerians and residents.
The security agency mentioned that the establishment of the anti-money laundering units is a vital step in its mission.
IGP Egbetokun further called on all citizens to play an active role in national security by reporting suspicious activities related to counterfeit currency and financial crimes.
