The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has established the Police Anti-Money Laundering Units of the Nigeria Police Force with the aim to tackling terrorism financing in Nigeria.
Egbetokun has appointed a renowned financial expert, Hyacinth Edozie, with officers of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police to lead the units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Wednesday, the initiative is a strategic move to strengthen the Police’s role in national security, specifically in combating financial crimes.
Adejobi stated that the units are also critical in countering the sophisticated methods used by terrorist organisations and other criminal entities to finance their activities.
He said 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.
The dawn of the units, according to the Force, would also enhance the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit 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 said it 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 further explained.
The Nigeria Police Force has said it remained 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.
According to the Force, “The establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Units is a vital step in this mission.”
The IGP, therefore, called on all citizens to play an active role in national security by reporting suspicious activities related to counterfeit currency and financial crimes.
