Nigeria police to channel terrorism financing cases to special unit

Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has mandated that all terrorism financing, banditry, and related financial crime cases be directed to specialized police units. This move is intended to bolster intelligence-led policing and combat escalating criminal activities across the country.

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The dynamics of crime is changing daily everywhere in the world, and within seconds monies are moving over the continent.

Disu announced the directive Tuesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, following a meeting with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). He highlighted the evolving nature of crime, emphasizing how illicit financial transactions now fuel many criminal enterprises. "Financial intelligence is a necessity," Disu stated, underscoring the need for enhanced collaboration between the police and the NFIU to effectively tackle terrorism, banditry, and crude oil theft.

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Monies that have to be laundered, monies that a lot of people want to clean by different deceits. Financial intelligence is a necessity.

The police chief believes that by "following the money," authorities can significantly reduce crime rates. To facilitate this, the Force has established a dedicated Proceeds of Crime Section, led by a Deputy Commissioner with expertise in financial crime. This unit aims to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts, improving the police's role within Nigeria's financial crime framework.

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We need to collaborate more and share intelligence because of the security situation we have in the country today, terrorism, banditry, and even in cases of theft of crude. Following their proceeds will assist to bring down the crime to nothing less than 50 per cent.

Disu also appealed to the NFIU for increased training opportunities for police personnel in financial intelligence and asset tracing. He expressed confidence that a 50% reduction in crime could be achieved simply by meticulously tracking financial flows. The collaboration is seen as vital, with Disu describing the relationship as "symbiotic twins."

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Following the money, a lot of their crimes will be solved, so we need to collaborate. We need to continue to see ourselves as symbiotic twins.