The Special Anti-Fraud Unit (SFU), the National Cybercrime Centre, and the newly launched Anti-Money Laundering Unit of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested 1,088 suspects, securing 152 convictions, and recovering a total of $11,450,000 and ₦142,261,254,228.80.
Recall that, in February 2023, Nigeria was placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, designating the country as a high-risk jurisdiction for money laundering and terrorism financing. The ugly trend compelled Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force to establish the units.
Addressing Journalists in Abuja on the activities of the Units, the Force Public Relations Officer, ASP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the National Cybercrime Centre, in particular, has been pivotal in addressing digital financial crimes, leading to the arrest of 751 cybercrime suspects and extensive recoveries amounting to ₦8,821,001,881.80, $84,000, and 115,237.91 USDT.
He added that a notable achievement includes Operation Butterfly Net, addressing a cyber attack on Flutter wave, which led to the arrest of 179 individuals involved in laundering over ₦11 billion.
Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force remained resolute in its commitment to combating money laundering and terrorism financing, ensuring that Nigeria meets international requirements set by the FATF. He urged all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to collaborate in this critical effort of lifting Nigeria from the FATF grey list.