Nigerian Police Train Personnel to Combat Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a three-day intensive training programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of its officers to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
The training, which began in Abuja, is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to address Nigeria’s continued placement on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The FATF had cited the country for strategic shortcomings in combating illicit financial flows and terrorism-related transactions.
According to the Force Headquarters, the programme is focused on equipping senior and mid-level officers with the knowledge and tools to detect, investigate, and prosecute complex financial crimes.
The sessions are coordinated by the Anti-Money Laundering Unit (AMLU) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Hyacinth Azuka Edozie.
Speaking at the opening of the training, CP Edozie said the exercise would strengthen the Police Force’s operational and investigative frameworks, particularly in tackling financial networks that sustain criminal activities such as terrorism, cybercrime, and organised fraud.
He also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration with institutions such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Participants drawn from across the country include detectives from State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs), financial crimes experts, and legal officers.
The programme will cover areas such as analysing suspicious transaction reports, financial forensics, cryptocurrency-related fraud, asset tracing and recovery, and global anti-money laundering standards.
Recent figures from the Police indicate that over 1,000 suspects linked to financial crimes were arrested in 2024, with more than ₦142 billion and $11 million recovered.
The Police also dismantled several counterfeit currency and cyber-fraud networks in joint operations with other agencies.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s determination to cut off the financial lifelines of criminal networks and improve Nigeria’s standing in global financial compliance.
He said the training initiative was a critical step towards achieving that goal and protecting national security.
The three-day training is expected to improve investigative outcomes, increase successful prosecutions, and reinforce the capacity of the Police to handle complex financial crime cases in line with international standards.
