Police Boss Flags Off Strategic Training to Combat Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing
In a bold move to fortify Nigeria’s fight against financial crimes, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced a three-day intensive capacity-building workshop focused on combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
The workshop, themed “Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing for Frontline Officers and Prosecutors,” kicked off on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The programme is a collaborative effort between the NPF, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme. It aims to equip law enforcement officers and prosecutors with modern tools, insights, and strategies to effectively tackle the sophisticated threats posed by financial crimes and terrorism funding.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, DIG Frank Mba, mni, officially declared the workshop open. The event drew a high-level representation of government and financial crime enforcement agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police Service Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the EFCC, ICPC, NSCDC, and NIBSS.
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In his keynote address, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Mrs. Jamila Akaaga Ade, stressed the urgent need to modernize crime-fighting approaches. He noted that traditional methods can no longer address the dynamic and borderless nature of financial crimes. He called for enhanced technological integration and stronger synergy among security and anti-graft institutions. “This training is timely and necessary. Agencies must work as one and not in rivalry if Nigeria is to succeed in this fight,” he charged.
The IGP, in his remarks, emphasized that the training comes at a critical time, as Nigeria is currently on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. He acknowledged the government’s legislative efforts through the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2022. However, he emphasized that “enforcement is the linchpin of effectiveness.”
Dr. Egbetokun highlighted the establishment of the Police Force’s Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) in 2007 as part of sustained proactive efforts. He urged for even deeper collaboration between the Police and critical institutions such as the DSS, EFCC, and NFIU to consolidate gains and ensure Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list.
The Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering inter-agency partnerships, adopting innovative strategies, and investing in capacity development through regular training. The IGP extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their unwavering support, assuring that the Force remains determined to fulfill its mandate in advancing both national and global security priorities.
PRNigeria reports that workshop will conclude on Friday, June 20, 2025, with expected resolutions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s anti-financial crime architecture.
By PRNigeria
