The Nigeria Police Force has announced the recovery of counterfeit foreign currencies totaling ₦125 billion during operations in Kano and Nasarawa states.
In Kano State, on December 8, 2024, police operatives apprehended a suspect, Nura Ibrahim, in the Gwale area. A search revealed counterfeit currencies amounting to $3,366,000 in U.S. dollars, 51,970 in CFA francs, and ₦1,443,000 in Nigerian naira. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two accomplices, Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi.
In a separate operation on January 13, 2025, in New Karu, Nasarawa State, a 53-year-old man named Ephraim Barde was arrested with counterfeit U.S. dollar notes totaling $160,000. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of Barde’s activities and identify any collaborators.
These operations are part of the Nigeria Police Force’s intensified efforts to combat financial crimes and protect the nation’s economy. To further these objectives, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has established Anti-Money Laundering Units across all State Criminal Investigation Departments. These units, led by financial expert CP Hyacinth Edozie and officers of Chief Superintendent rank, aim to enhance the Force’s capacity to detect and prevent illicit financial activities that threaten national security.
The police urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious financial activities to law enforcement agencies to aid in the fight against financial crimes.
