Police establish  Anti-Money Laundering Units nationwide, recover counterfeit currencies

CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has established the Police Anti-Money Laundering Units of the Nigeria Police Force.

Egbetokun appointed a renowned financial expert, CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, along with officers of the rank of Chief Superintendents of Police to lead the units in all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) across the country.

The police boss noted that the initiative was a strategic move to strengthen the Police’s role in national security, specifically in combating financial crimes.

He added that the move was also critical in countering the sophisticated methods used by terrorist organisations and other criminal entities to finance their activities.

He said 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 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.

In a statement backing the new move, the Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi 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.

He said, “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.”

Adejobi said 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.”