By Miracle Ogunde
As part of efforts to curb terrorism financing in Nigeria, the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, Kayode Egbetokun, has established Police Anti-Money Laundering Units.
A statement by the Force spokesman, Adejobi Muyiwa, said the unit would prevent and detect illicit financial activities that could undermine Nigeria’s stability.
The IGP also appointed a financial expert, CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, with officers of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police, CSPs, to lead the units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments, SCIDs, across the country.
According to the statement: “This initiative is a strategic move to strengthen the Police’s role in national security, specifically in combating financial crimes. It is also critical in countering the sophisticated methods used by terrorist organizations 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.”
The statement said 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, police operatives apprehended one 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 US 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 statement said the Police Force is committed to preventing further threats to the nation’s financial system.
According to the statement, the IGP said the Nigeria Police Force 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. The establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Units is a vital step in this mission.
He also called on all citizens to play an active role in national security by reporting suspicious activities related to counterfeit currency and financial crimes.
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