…… Urges stronger inter-agency collaboration
With the topic “Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing for Frontline Officers and Prosecutors”, the Nigeria Police officially opened a three-day capacity-building training in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Program.
In his keynote speech, the Federation’s Attorney General underlined the importance of the workshop in addressing the complex and ever-evolving concerns of terrorism funding and money laundering, which he characterised as major worldwide security issues.
He emphasised the need for more robust interagency coordination and modern, technology-driven enforcement tools, emphasising that conventional methods are no longer adequate.
He also advised all agencies to avoid competition and instead strengthen cooperation in order to achieve success as a group, and he urged attendees to make the most of the chance to expand their knowledge.
Speaking at a time when Nigeria is on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, emphasised the importance of the training programme. In response to these crimes, he recognised the government’s institutional and legislative measures, such as the passage of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2022 and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2022. He did, however, emphasise that the key to efficacy is enforcement.
He also called for increased coordination between the Police and other important stakeholders, including DSS, NFIU, and EFCC, to coordinate ongoing efforts and cited the Force’s 2007 creation of the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) as a proactive step in the ongoing efforts to combat these complex crimes.
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.
Aside from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, DIG Frank Mba, the opening ceremony was graced by 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.
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.
