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See the Numbers Arrested in Kano and Nasarawa Over Terrorism Financing, Fake $160,000

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 15th, 2025.

See the Numbers Arrested in Kano and Nasarawa Over Terrorism Financing, Fake $160,000

By Kingsley Omonobi

In a bid to curb terrorism financing, the Nigeria Police Force has detained two individuals in Kano and Nasarawa states for involvement in the circulation of counterfeit currencies, with a total of over N129.54 million in fake money seized in Kano and $160,000 in Nasarawa. The arrests are part of the efforts initiated through the Police Anti-Money Laundering Units, which were established to enhance the fight against terrorism financing and financial crimes.

The Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrests while revealing the formation of the new Police Anti-Money Laundering Units under the leadership of CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, a financial expert. These units are tasked with overseeing anti-money laundering operations across all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) in the country.

According to Adejobi, on December 8, 2024, operatives in Gwale, Kano, arrested Nura Ibrahim following reliable intelligence and uncovered counterfeit money totaling N129,542,823,000. This included $3,366,000 in fake U.S. dollars, 51,970 CFA francs, and 1,443,000 in counterfeit Naira. Ibrahim’s arrest also led to the detention of two accomplices, Muhammed Muntari and Usman Abdullahi.

In a similar operation on January 13, 2025, 53-year-old Ephraim Barde was apprehended in New Karu, Nasarawa State, with counterfeit U.S. dollars amounting to $160,000.

Adejobi highlighted the importance of the initiative spearheaded by IGP Egbetokun to create specialized units targeting terrorism financing. He explained that the move is designed to strengthen the police’s role in national security, particularly in tackling the complex financial operations of criminal organizations and terrorists.

“The formation of these units signals the Force’s dedication to protecting the country’s security by preventing and uncovering illegal financial activities that threaten national stability,” Adejobi said. He also noted that this action bolsters the capacity of law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), in managing global oversight and combating various security challenges.

Following these arrests, further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of Barde’s involvement and identify other potential suspects connected to the crimes.