|By Adejumo Adekunle –
- IGP Egbetokun Appoints Financial Expert to Lead Nationwide Initiative
- Units Target Illicit Transactions Undermining National Security
- Police Record Major Arrests in Kano and Nasarawa States
The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated Police Anti-Money Laundering Units as part of intensified efforts to disrupt terrorism financing and bolster national security.
In a strategic move, Egbetokun appointed CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, a financial expert, alongside Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), to oversee these units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) across the country.
Force Public Relations Officer, Adejobi Muyiwa, disclosed in a statement that the initiative aims to detect and prevent financial crimes that threaten Nigeria’s stability. He emphasized the importance of countering the advanced methods used by terrorist groups and other criminal networks to fund their operations.
“This initiative strengthens the Police’s role in securing the nation, particularly in tackling financial crimes,” the statement read. “It also enhances the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), in addressing complex security challenges.”
The Police’s commitment to curbing financial crimes was recently demonstrated by significant arrests in Kano and Nasarawa States. On December 8, 2024, in Gwale, Kano, operatives acting on credible intelligence apprehended Nura Ibrahim, uncovering counterfeit currencies valued at ₦129.5 billion. The haul included $3,366,000 in fake US dollars, 51,970 counterfeit CFA francs, and ₦1,443,000 in counterfeit Nigerian notes. Further investigations led to the arrests of accomplices Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi.
Similarly, on January 13, 2025, in New Karu, Nasarawa State, the Police arrested 53-year-old Ephraim Barde with $160,000 in counterfeit US dollar notes. Ongoing investigations aim to unravel the full extent of Barde’s network.
The Inspector General reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s financial integrity and urged citizens to report suspicious activities. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in combating financial crimes and ensuring a stable economic environment to promote national security,” Egbetokun stated.
The establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Units is expected to play a pivotal role in mitigating threats to Nigeria’s financial system, reinforcing the country’s broader security architecture.
