The Nigeria Police Force’s Police Anti-money Laundering Units were established by Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
The units are led by Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) in all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) throughout the nation, and CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, a well-known financial expert, was appointed to lead them.
The IGP urged all individuals to report suspicious activity including financial crimes and counterfeit currencies in order to actively contribute to national security.
The Force PRO explained that the creation of the unit was a calculated step to enhance the Police’s role in national security, particularly in the fight against financial crimes, even though the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission already existed.
According to him, it is also essential for combating the advanced techniques that terrorist groups and other criminal organizations employ to fund their operations.
According to him, “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. 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. 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.”
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to fighting financial crimes and maintaining a safe economy in order to advance national security and protect the safety of all Nigerian citizens.