The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Riliwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, received the Director, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hajia Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, on a courtesy visit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
A statement signed by force public relations officer CSP Aniete Okokon Edem Iniedu force headquarters Abuja said the visit focused on deepening operational synergy, strengthening information-sharing mechanisms, and institutionalizing strategic collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the NFIU.
The NFIU Director was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Chief of Staff, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed; General Counsel, Felix Obiamalu; Chief Operating Officer, Law Enforcement Agencies, Mr. Emmanuel Sotande; Chief Operating Officer, Information Security Systems, Mr. Abdulrahman Mustapha; Special Adviser on Operations, Mr. Douglas Egwuemi; and Special Adviser on Administration, Mr. Mustapha Awaisu.
Speaking during the visit, Hajia Bakari described the partnership between both agencies as fundamental to Nigeria’s national security architecture. She noted that the forthcoming 2027 Mutual Evaluation would critically assess how effectively the Police utilises NFIU financial intelligence to dismantle money laundering networks, counter terrorism financing, and secure prosecutions in related financial crimes.
While commending the IGP for approving a joint stock-taking exercise between the two agencies, she called for deeper institutional cooperation, stressing the need to extend Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) awareness to police commands and formations nationwide. She emphasized a shift toward institutionalized excellence rather than isolated successes, and concluded by extending heartfelt condolences to the Force over officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, while reaffirming the NFIU’s continued support.
In his remarks, IGP Disu commended the delegation and called for a truly symbiotic partnership between both institutions. He highlighted the critical role of the NPF’s specialised Anti-Money Laundering Unit, alongside other designated operational divisions, in the investigation of financial crimes, terrorism financing, banditry, and complex transnational offences.
Acknowledging anti-money laundering as a highly technical domain, the IGP urged the NFIU to sustain advanced and ongoing training for specialized police personnel. He further requested continuous access to actionable financial intelligence and modern investigative tools to strengthen the quality of investigations and improve conviction rates.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to working with strategic partners such as the NFIU to enhance operational capacity, safeguard national integrity, and restore public trust in law enforcement.
