The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crimes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, NFIU Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hafsat Bakari described the Police as one of the agency’s most strategic partners in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system and national security.
She said the visit was more than a ceremonial engagement, noting that it underscored the importance of sustained cooperation in tackling increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
“Today’s visit is not merely a courtesy call; it is an opportunity to reaffirm a partnership that is fundamental to Nigeria’s national security, economic stability, and international standing,” Bakari said.
According to her, “financial intelligence has become indispensable in modern law enforcement because it connects criminal activities with those who profit from them.”
“Whether the predicate offence involves terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, corruption, illegal mining, arms trafficking, or organised crime, financial intelligence has increasingly become the thread that connects criminal activities to those who profit from them,” she stated.
Bakari commended the Nigeria Police Force for its contribution to Nigeria’s successful implementation of the FATF Action Plan, which culminated in the country’s removal from the FATF Grey List last year.
She praised officers, particularly those in the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing section, for their professionalism and dedication during the assessment process
Looking ahead to the 2027 Mutual Evaluation, Bakari stressed that the assessment would focus on measurable results rather than the mere existence of laws and institutions.
“It will examine effectiveness. It will assess whether our agencies are working together, whether financial intelligence is being effectively utilised, whether money laundering and terrorist financing are properly investigated, whether criminal assets are identified and confiscated, and whether law enforcement agencies are delivering measurable results,” she explained.
She disclosed that a recent stocktaking exercise conducted within the Police had identified strengths as well as areas requiring improvement, including greater awareness of anti-money laundering practices across commands, enhanced use of financial intelligence, improved data management, stronger asset recovery processes and updated operational guidelines in line with FATF standards.
“The future of law enforcement is intelligence-driven. Criminals today leave financial footprints long before they leave physical evidence. Following the money often reveals the networks, facilitators, beneficiaries, and command structures behind criminal enterprises,” the NFIU Chief said.
Bakari assured the Police of the NFIU’s continued support through intelligence sharing, strategic analysis, specialised training, operational assistance and collaboration with international financial intelligence partners.
Responding, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the NFIU, describing financial intelligence as a critical tool in combating evolving criminal threats.
“The dynamics of crime continue to evolve rapidly. Within seconds, illicit funds move across borders as criminals seek ways to launder and conceal the proceeds of crime. Your organisation therefore plays a vital role in modern law enforcement, and we are proud to partner with the NFIU,” Disu said.
The Inspector-General said the Police had already directed that financial crime cases be handled by specialised units and established a dedicated Proceeds of Crime Section to enhance investigations into money laundering and terrorism financing.
“We have also established the Proceeds of Crime Section, headed by experienced officers with expertise in financial crime investigations, to strengthen our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing efforts,” he said.
Disu also called for expanded training opportunities for police personnel to strengthen institutional capacity as new officers continue to join the Force.
Both institutions expressed confidence that closer cooperation and intelligence-led policing would further strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework and help ensure a successful outcome during the 2027 FATF Mutual Evaluation.
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