Nigeria Police Force has over the past year recovered a total of $11,450,000,₦142,261,254,228.80,arrested 1,088 suspects and secured 152 convictions.
Its specialized units such as the Special Anti-Fraud Unit (SFU), the National Cybercrime Centre, and the newly launched Anti-Money Laundering Unit boosted the recovery,enhanced Nigeria’s compliance with international standards and facilitate the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF),FATF grey list.
Force Public Relations Officer,Force Headquarters,Abuja,Olumuyiwa Adejobi,who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday,also said the National Cybercrime Centre,in particular,has been pivotal in addressing digital financial crimes,leading to the arrest of 751 cybercrime suspects and extensive recoveries amounting to ₦8,821,001,881.80, $84,000, and 115,237.91 USDT.
He said a notable achievement includes Operation Butterfly Net, addressing a cyberattack on Flutterwave, which led to the arrest of 179 individuals involved in laundering over ₦11 billion.
Besides, the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Sections has bolstered the framework surrounding financial investigations.
He added:”The training of over 2,000 officers across various units in money laundering and terrorism financing investigations is reflective of the Force’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s global standing in combating financial crimes.
“With the submission of quarterly AML/CFT reports to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Nigeria’s ratings within the FATF regime have also significantly improved, indicating the effectiveness of these initiatives”.
He said the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating money laundering and terrorism financing, ensuring that Nigeria meets international requirements set by the FATF.
He implored all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to collaborate in this critical effort of lifting Nigeria from the FATF grey list.
He said:”While the fight against financial crime is far from over, the progress made by the Force in investigations, arrests,and prosecutions demonstrates the determination to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and restore trust in our financial institutions. We assure the public and the international community that the Nigeria Police is taking all necessary steps to combat money laundering and terrorism financing”.