The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has established the Police Anti-Money Laundering Units of the Nigeria Police Force, appointment of a renowned 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) nationwide.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi’
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 statement pointed out that the establishment underscored the Force’s commitment to safeguarding national security by preventing and detecting illicit financial activities that could undermine the country’s stability.
It added it was also to enhance 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.
This came just as it stated that Police operatives have made significant arrests in Kano and Nasarawa States in a zeal to curb financial crimes and boost national security,
According to it, ‘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”‘.
It explained that 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.”
It assured that 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 saying that the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Units was a vital step in this mission.
IGP 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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