Nigerian Police Take Strong Action to Remove Country from FATF Grey List
The Nigeria Police high command is firmly committed to removing the country from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
In Zamfara State, troops from Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) successfully seized a substantial cache of firearms and ammunition in the Kaura Namoda Local Council.
Since being placed on the FATF grey list in February 2023, which designates Nigeria as a high-risk jurisdiction for money laundering and terrorism financing, the country has taken definitive steps to address these concerns.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is addressing this urgent situation head-on by establishing specialized units, including the Special Anti-Fraud Unit (SFU), the National Cybercrime Centre, and the newly launched Anti-Money Laundering Unit.
“Together, these initiatives are designed to significantly enhance Nigeria’s compliance with international standards and ensure the country is removed from the FATF grey list,” Adejobi asserted.
“Over the past year, these specialized units have made remarkable strides in combating financial crimes, resulting in the arrest of 1,088 suspects, securing 152 convictions, and recovering $11,450,000 and ₦142,261,254,228.80.”
The police are resolute in their commitment to tackling money laundering and terrorism financing, making it clear that Nigeria will meet all international standards set by the FATF. They call upon all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to collaborate effectively in this vital mission.
“Although the fight against financial crime is ongoing, the progress we’ve made in investigations, arrests, and prosecutions demonstrates our unwavering determination to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and restore trust in our financial institutions. We assure the public and the international community that the Nigeria police are taking comprehensive and necessary steps to combat money laundering and terrorism financing,” Adejobi concluded.
The interception of the arms was announced yesterday by counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama on his verified X account.
This operation, conducted between January 26 and 27 along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi Road, was based on actionable intelligence regarding suspected arms dealers operating from the Niger Republic.
Makama emphasized, “The troops executed a covert operation to track the suspects, culminating in a pursuit along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi road. The suspects attempted to evade capture by diverting their vehicle into the bushes, but the troops compelled them to abandon it. A thorough search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of two PKT machine guns, nine AK-47 rifles, 13 magazines, 171 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and nine rounds of PKT ammunition.”
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