To address and develop actionable strategies to reinforce Nigeria's collective resolve in tackling money laundering and terrorist financing, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has declared open a workshop and training for its frontline officers and prosecutors to strengthen inter-agency coordination to generate fresh ideas.
IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, ably represented by DIG Frank Mba said the training workshop on money laundering and terrorist financing organised by the Nigerian Police Force in collaboration with the Nigerian Foundation Intelligence Unit, NFIU, and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, ROLAC is a platform for dialogue, synergy, and innovation.
The IGP stressed that Nigeria continues to grapple with threats of money laundering and terrorist financing, two complex crimes that not only weaken our economic foundations but also tarnish our international reputation.
He noted that the Federal Government has undertaken commendable steps by establishing specialised agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practises and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit NFIU, and the National Counterterrorism Centre NCTC.
He said these challenges have significantly contributed to Nigeria's placement on the Great Leagues of Judiciary under increased monitoring by the Financial Action Task Force, FATAF.
"This classification is a matter of national concern as it undermines investor confidence and limits access to the global financial system. These institutions form the backbone of our institutional response to financial crimes and terrorism.
"In addition to this, we have seen the enactment of critical legislation such as the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022, and the Process of Crime Recovery and Management Act 2022. However, we all know that legislation without a will for effective enforcement remains inadequate.
"The success of our national response depends largely on our ability to translate policy into action and laws into deterrent outcomes. Despite our efforts, statistics show that money laundering and terrorist financing remain persistent and evolving threats. Even with global frameworks like FATF and regional mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, we must acknowledge that more needs to be done.
"In furtherance of our national response, the Nigerian Sanctions Committee was established to coordinate the implementation of targeted financial sanctions on proliferation financing and align our national security priorities with global standards.
"At the Nigerian Police Force, we have continued to adapt and innovate in response to these challenges. The establishment of the Police Counter-Terrorism Unit, CTU, in 2007 marked a significant milestone in our efforts to neutralise the threat posed by terrorist groups.
"I am confident that your active participation and the expertise of our facilitators will yield impactful outcomes," he said
The IGP Egbetokun assured the Government and the good people of Nigeria that the Nigerian Police Force will continue to do all within its mandate to ensure that Nigeria is removed from the green list and repositioned as a credible and responsible member of the international community.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Hashimu Argungu warned Police Officer and those called frontline officers on the misuse of power given to them by the President. He warned them to desist from delving into land dispute.
"Let us act within the law, not outside the law. I'm taking this time to warn frontline officers, so that you warn yourself, you advise yourself, don't misuse the power given to us by the President, do the right thing.
"Today, what worries me as Chairman of Police Service Commission, how our policemen delve into land matters, to the extent of using them to go and demolish people's buildings, which you have nothing, there's no difference between public wrong and private wrong. Private wrong is the issue of land. Whoever has a problem, go to court; only the court can decide it.
"You, police, what do you advise them, go to court. Even if the law calls for judgment, you can go and appeal. But, at least today, they delve into land matters, and which, as the Chairman of Police Service Commission, we have started, and we are going to deal with any policemen, I'm saying it now, clearing it.
"If you delve into land matters, we will deal with you in line with what the law says. I don't want to take your time, I appreciate you, but I'm warning, advising the incoming investigators something. Also, read Robert Kilgard, it's a book.