The Nigerian Police Force has launched a renewed and urgent drive to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing in the country. This was the focus of a major training workshop held in Abuja, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme. The workshop brought together key security and anti-corruption stakeholders to build stronger coordination and improve Nigeria’s fight against financial crimes.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba, said Nigeria’s placement on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is damaging to the country’s economy and image. He explained that being on the grey list means Nigeria is under international monitoring for weak control over money laundering and terrorism financing, which scares away investors and limits access to the global financial system. Mba warned that this is a serious national issue that must be addressed urgently.
He acknowledged the strong steps already taken by the Federal Government, including the creation of specialized agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the National Counter-terrorism Centre. He also mentioned the recent enactment of important laws like the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, and the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Act, all passed in 2022.
However, AIG Mba stressed that having laws and institutions is not enough. What matters, he said, is turning policies into real action and enforcing laws in a way that truly stops criminals. Despite Nigeria’s ongoing efforts, money laundering and terrorist financing remain major threats. He said more needs to be done to strengthen the national response and meet global standards.
To support this, the Nigerian Police have taken several strategic steps. These include establishing the Police Counterterrorism Unit and setting up a dedicated Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism section within the Force Criminal Investigation Department. The police have also developed a Terrorism Investigation Branch with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to improve forensic and investigative work.
Mba said the Police Force has intensified cooperation with other security and intelligence agencies such as the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, and the NFIU. This approach is helping to build a stronger and more united front in confronting financial crimes and terrorism. He said the workshop is not just a training session, but a platform for collaboration, fresh thinking, and collective problem-solving. It is meant to bring agencies together, share expertise, and create workable strategies that can lead to real and lasting results.
In his closing remarks, Mba thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their continued support of the Nigerian Police. He gave assurances that the Police Force will do everything within its power to ensure Nigeria is removed from the FATF grey list and is once again seen as a trusted member of the international community.
