The Nigeria Police Force has arrested no fewer than 1,088 suspects linked to various financial crimes in separate operations carried out in 2024.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations also led to the recovery of $11,450,000 and N142,261,254,228.80.
Adejobi said the arrests and recoveries were part of Nigeria’s efforts to address its placement on the Financial Action Task Force grey list.
“In February 2023, Nigeria was placed on the FATF grey list, marking the country as high-risk for money laundering and terrorism financing. In response, the Nigeria Police Force has been actively tackling these issues through the establishment of specialised units such as the Special Anti-Fraud Unit, the National Cybercrime Centre, and the newly launched Anti-Money Laundering Unit,” he said.
He noted that in the past year, these units had achieved significant results, securing 152 convictions and recovering billions of naira and dollars.
Adejobi highlighted the role of the National Cybercrime Centre, which was responsible for the arrest of 751 cybercrime suspects and the recovery of N8.82 billion, $84,000, and 115,237.91 USDT.
He also revealed that one of the centre’s major breakthroughs was the arrest of 179 suspects involved in laundering over N11 billion from a cyber attack on Flutterwave.
“A notable achievement includes Operation Butterfly Net, addressing a cyber attack on Flutterwave, which led to the arrest of 179 individuals involved in laundering over N11bn,” he said.
Adejobi added that the police had also strengthened financial investigations by establishing new sections for anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing. He noted that over 2,000 officers had been trained in financial crime investigations as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s global standing in fighting financial crimes.
“The training of over 2,000 officers across various units in money laundering and terrorism financing investigations reflects the Force’s commitment to combating financial crimes,” he said.
The police have urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious financial activities to help in the fight against financial crimes.
