IGP Seeks More Training, Intelligence Tools Ahead Of 2027 Mutual Evaluation As Both Agencies Vow Deeper Synergy On AML/CFT
—Police Establish Special Unit To Tackle Terror Financing, Illicit Funds.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Riliwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on Tuesday received the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, Hajia Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The courtesy visit focused on deepening operational synergy, strengthening information-sharing mechanisms, and institutionalizing strategic collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the NFIU.
Hajia Bakari, who led a high-level NFIU delegation, described the partnership as fundamental to Nigeria's national security architecture. She noted that the forthcoming 2027 Mutual Evaluation would critically assess how effectively the Police utilizes NFIU financial intelligence to dismantle money laundering networks, counter terrorism financing, and secure prosecutions in related financial crimes.
Members of the delegation included the Chief of Staff, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed; General Counsel, Felix Obiamalu; Chief Operating Officer, Law Enforcement Agencies, Mr. Emmanuel Sotande; Chief Operating Officer, Information Security Systems, Mr. Abdulrahman Mustapha; Special Adviser on Operations, Mr. Douglas Egwuemi; and Special Adviser on Administration, Mr. Mustapha Awaisu.
Commending the IGP for approving a joint stock-taking exercise between the two agencies, the NFIU boss called for deeper institutional cooperation. She stressed the need to extend Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, AML/CFT, awareness to police commands and formations nationwide.
She emphasized a shift toward institutionalized excellence rather than isolated successes. Hajia Bakari also extended condolences to the Force over officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and reaffirmed the NFIU's continued support.
In his remarks, IGP Disu called for a truly symbiotic partnership between both institutions. He highlighted the critical role of the NPF's specialized Anti-Money Laundering Unit and other operational divisions in investigating financial crimes, terrorism financing, banditry, and complex transnational offences.
Describing anti-money laundering as a highly technical domain, the IGP urged the NFIU to sustain advanced and ongoing training for specialized police personnel. He also requested continuous access to actionable financial intelligence and modern investigative tools to strengthen investigations and improve conviction rates.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to working with strategic partners such as the NFIU to enhance operational capacity, safeguard national integrity, and restore public trust in law enforcement.
Police Establish Special Unit to Tackle Terror Financing and Illicit Funds
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also directed police commands nationwide to refer cases involving terrorism financing, banditry and other financial crimes to specialized units as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence-led policing. He made the announcement during the meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU at the Force headquarters in Abuja.
According to Disu the move was informed by the changing nature of crime, which now relies heavily on illicit financial transactions across borders.
Speaking further he said closer collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the NFIU is critical to tackling terrorism, banditry, crude oil theft and other organized crimes.
The IGP disclosed that the Force has set up a dedicated Proceeds of Crime Section to deepen investigations into financial crimes and terrorism financing. The unit will be headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police with experience in financial crime.
“We have directed all our officers to refer cases they discover that have to do with terror, banditry, and where monies have been circulated to teams that are specialised in handling it,” Disu said.
“The establishment and operationalisation of the section have enhanced the visibility and relevance of the Force within the Nigerian anti-money laundering architecture,” he added.
The police chief also appealed to the NFIU to provide more training opportunities for police personnel in financial intelligence and asset tracing.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hajia Hafsat Bakari, described the police as a critical partner in Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework.
She said financial intelligence has become indispensable in investigating terrorism financing, kidnapping, cybercrime, corruption, human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, illegal mining, arms trafficking and other organized crimes.
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