Two suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Kano and Nasarawa states for their involvement in terrorism financing and the possession of counterfeit currencies.
The arrests were made as part of the efforts by the Police to combat financial crimes, particularly those linked to terrorism financing.
The suspects, Nura Ibrahim and Ephraim Barde, were apprehended with significant sums of counterfeit currency.
Ibrahim was arrested on December 8, 2024, in Gwale, Kano, after operatives acted on credible intelligence.
The police seized counterfeit currency totaling over N129.54 million, which included 3.36 million U.S. dollars, 51,970 CFA francs, and 1.44 million Nigerian naira.
On January 13, 2025, in New Karu, Nasarawa State, 53-year-old Ephraim Barde was arrested with $160,000 in fake U.S. dollar notes.
Further investigations into Barde’s activities and potential accomplices are underway.
The establishment of the Police Anti-Money Laundering Units, as announced by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, is part of the strategic initiative to counter terrorism financing.
The units are set to work across all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs), with CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, a financial expert, leading the efforts.
Adejobi emphasized that these arrests were part of the police’s broader commitment to safeguarding national security and preventing illicit financial activities that could destabilize the country.
He also urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to financial crimes or counterfeit currencies.
