Police Establish Unit to Combat Terror Financing in Nigeria

On Tuesday, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed police officers across Nigeria to refer cases related to terrorism financing, banditry, and other financial crimes to specialized units. This initiative, announced at the Force Headquarters in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), aims to strengthen intelligence-led policing and address the evolving nature of crime that increasingly relies on illicit financial transactions.

Disu revealed the establishment of a dedicated Proceeds of Crime Section, led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police with expertise in financial crime, to enhance investigations into financial crimes and terrorism financing. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the NFIU in tackling organized crimes such as crude oil theft.

Disu also requested the NFIU to provide more training opportunities for police personnel in financial intelligence and asset tracing. Hafsat Bakari, CEO of the NFIU, acknowledged the police as a critical partner in Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts.