The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to working with regulators and market operators to combat financial crime, protect investments, and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s capital market.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, gave the assurance at the Closing Gong Ceremony held in his honour at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) in Lagos.

Egbetokun stressed that a transparent and well-regulated capital market is critical to national economic growth, adding that the police would continue to strengthen partnerships with financial regulators, market participants and other law-enforcement agencies to ensure that investors’ funds are protected and market practices remain fair and accountable.

Welcoming the IGP, Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in supporting market integrity.

He said, “Market integrity is a shared responsibility. By honouring the Inspector-General of Police, we are reinforcing the importance of institutional alignment in protecting investors and preserving trust in our financial system.

“Strong collaboration between regulators, enforcement agencies, and market infrastructure institutions is essential to building a resilient and credible market that supports economic growth.”

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, also emphasised the importance of coordinated enforcement, noting that investor protection is at the core of market regulation.

“Today’s engagement highlights how critical collaboration with law enforcement is to achieving that mandate.

This partnership strengthens our enforcement capacity, enhances deterrence against illegal investment activities, and reinforces confidence in the Nigerian capital market.”

Also speaking, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Ahonsi Unuigbe, highlighted the role of the Exchange in promoting market discipline:

“A transparent and orderly market can only thrive where rules are respected and misconduct is addressed decisively. The presence of the Nigeria Police Force in this collective effort sends a strong signal that safeguarding the market is a national priority.”

Similarly, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, stressed the importance of aligning innovation with oversight: “Technology and market growth must be supported by strong enforcement and investor protection frameworks. Our collaboration with the SEC and the Nigeria Police Force reflects a unified approach to preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s capital market.”

The event brought together key stakeholders across the capital market ecosystem, all reaffirming their commitment to accountability, transparency and investor confidence. The ceremonial Closing Gong marked a collective resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system through sustained collaboration.