Nigeria Police Force Flags Off Training Workshop On Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing As IGP Reaffirms Commitment to National Security, Urges Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration

Nigeria Police Force Flags Off Training Workshop On Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing As IGP Reaffirms Commitment to National Security, Urges Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration

The Nigeria Police Force, in partnership with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme, has formally flagged off a three-day capacity-building workshop themed “Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing for Frontline Officers and Prosecutors.” The workshop, which runs from Wednesday, 18th to Friday, 20th June 2025, is being held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The opening ceremony was graced by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, DIG Frank Mba, mni. Also in attendance were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Mrs Jamila Akaaga Ade, Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), CBN Governor, represented by AIG Hakeem Odumosu (Rtd), and other key stakeholders from EFCC, ICPC, NSCDC, NIBSS, and senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney General of the Federation emphasized the workshop’s relevance in combating the evolving and complex threats of money laundering and terrorism financing, which he described as critical global security challenges. He highlighted the need for modernized, technology-driven enforcement tools and stronger inter-agency cooperation, stressing that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. He further encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity to build their expertise and urged all agencies to shun rivalry and instead deepen collaboration to ensure collective success.

The Inspector-General of Police, in his address, underscored the significance of the training workshop, particularly at a time when Nigeria is listed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. He acknowledged the government’s legislative and institutional responses to these crimes, including the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2022. However, he stressed that enforcement is the linchpin of effectiveness. He also noted the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Force in 2007 as a proactive move in the ongoing efforts of tackling these complex crimes and called for intensified synergy between the Police and other critical stakeholders, such as DSS, NFIU, and EFCC, to consolidate ongoing efforts.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to strengthening inter-agency partnerships, fostering innovation, and enhancing capacity through strategic training. The Inspector-General of Police expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their continued support and assured that the Force remains focused on its role in removing Nigeria from the FATF grey list and advancing national and global security priorities.