Police move to lift Nigeria out of FATF grey list

Troops intercept gun shipment for terrorists in Zamfara
The Nigeria Police high command has rejigged its effort to ensure that the country is removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list.

In Zamfara State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) seized a cache of firearms and ammunition in Kaura Namoda Local Council.

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.

According to Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, in response to this critical situation, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been actively tackling these issues through the establishment of specialised units such as the Special Anti-Fraud Unit (SFU), the National Cybercrime Centre, and the newly launched Anti-Money Laundering Unit.

He said, “Collectively, these initiatives aim to enhance Nigeria’s compliance with international standards and facilitate the country’s removal from the FATF grey list.

“Over the past year, these specialised units have made significant strides in combating financial crimes, resulting in the arrest of 1,088 suspects, securing 152 convictions, as well as recovering $11,450,000 and ₦142,261,254,228.80.

The police expressed its commitment to combating money laundering and terrorism financing, ensuring that Nigeria meets international requirements set by the FATF.

It urged all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate in removing Nigeria from the FATF grey list.

“While the fight against financial crime is far from over, the progress made by the force in investigations, arrests and prosecutions demonstrates the 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 is taking all necessary steps to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.” Adejobi said.

INTERCEPTION of the arms was disclosed, yesterday, by counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, on his verified X account.

The operation, carried out between January 26 and 27 along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi Road, was based on credible intelligence about suspected arms dealers operating from Niger Republic.

Makama added: “The troops launched a covert operation to track the suspects, leading to a pursuit along the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi road,” Makama said.
“The suspects attempted to escape by diverting their vehicle into the bush, but the troops forced them to abandon it.

“A 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.”