IGP launches anti-money laundering units to tackle financial crimes

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched anti-money laundering units across the country to strengthen its fight against financial crimes. Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), announced the establishment of these units on Wednesday through a statement by Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson.

According to the statement, the initiative demonstrates the police force’s commitment to protecting national security by addressing illicit financial activities that could destabilize the nation.

To operationalize this effort, the IGP directed Hyacinth Edozie, a commissioner of police, alongside other senior officers at the rank of chief superintendents of police (CSPs), to oversee the units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) across Nigeria.

“This initiative is a strategic move to strengthen the police’s role in national security, specifically in combating financial crimes,” the statement reads

The force added that the new units are critical to countering the advanced techniques used by terrorist organizations and other criminal entities to fund their operations.

The statement further highlighted that the initiative aligns with the goals of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to enhance law enforcement’s capacity to detect and prevent illicit financial flows.

“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 statement added.

The IGP noted that while agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and NFIU already handle anti-money laundering efforts, the police’s involvement adds another layer of enforcement to curb financial crimes.

In a related development, the police have made significant arrests in Kano and Nasarawa states for counterfeiting activities.

The force revealed that on December 8, 2024, police operatives in Gwale, Kano, arrested three suspects—Nura Ibrahim, Muhammed Muntari, and Usman Abdullahi—after seizing counterfeit currencies worth over ₦129.5 billion.

“The haul included $3,366,000 in counterfeit U.S. dollars, 51,970 CFA francs, and ₦1,443,000 in fake naira notes.

“On January 13, 2025, the police apprehended 53-year-old Ephraim Barde in New Karu, Nasarawa State, with $160,000 in counterfeit U.S. dollar notes,”, it said.

The NPF reiterated its determination to combat all forms of financial crimes and urged the public to remain vigilant, and report suspicious activities.