The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has launched the Police Anti-Money Laundering Units across the country, appointing financial expert ,CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie to lead the initiative. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening the Nigeria Police Force’s role in national security, with a focus on curbing financial crimes and countering terrorism financing.
The new units will operate within the State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) and are designed to combat the sophisticated financial operations used by criminal organizations and terrorist groups. The establishment of these units is a significant step in enhancing the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), in safeguarding the country’s economic stability.
In a display of the units’ proactive stance, the Police recently made landmark arrests in Kano and Nasarawa States. On December 8, 2024, operatives arrested Nura Ibrahim in Gwale, Kano, and seized counterfeit currency worth over N129 billion. The bust uncovered 3.3 million counterfeit US dollars, nearly 52,000 CFA francs, and 1.4 million counterfeit Naira, with further arrests of accomplices Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi, totaling three individuals arrested.
Additionally, on January 13, 2025, 53-year-old Ephraim Barde was apprehended in New Karu, Nasarawa State, with $160,000 in counterfeit US dollar bills, bringing the total arrests to four people. Investigations into his network are ongoing to uncover the full scope of his involvement.
IGP Egbetokun’s efforts underlined the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and ensuring a secure economic environment. The Force further called on citizens to report any suspicious activities related to counterfeit currency and financial crimes to help protect the nation’s financial system.
