By Augustine Aminu
In a decisive move to clamp down on terrorism financing and other financial crimes, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Wednesday inaugurated specialized Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Units within the Nigeria Police Force.
This was contained in a statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejob, Force Public Relations Officer.
According to the statement, the initiative underscores the Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial systems and national security.
The new units, led by CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, a seasoned financial expert, will operate under the State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) across the country.
“Their mandate includes detecting and preventing financial crimes, particularly those linked to terrorism financing, counterfeit currency, and other illicit activities undermining Nigeria’s economic stability,” the statement noted.
The statement noted further that the initiative, ” 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. 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.”
Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer noted that 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.
According to him, 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.
He said 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.
He said, “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 Nigeria Police Force 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 establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Units is a vital step in this mission. The IGP calls on all citizens to play an active role in national security by reporting suspicious activities related to counterfeit currency and financial crimes.”