The Nigeria Police Force and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s banking industry have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening financial security and protecting the nation’s economic architecture.
This renewed collaboration was highlighted during a high-level engagement hosted in Lagos by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in partnership with the Body of Banks’ CEOs. The meeting brought together banking executives and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP emphasized the strong link between financial security and national security. He noted that the resilience of Nigeria’s banking operations is vital to investor confidence and the country’s global credibility.
According to the IGP, the threat landscape confronting the financial sector has evolved significantly. Beyond traditional risks such as armed robbery attacks, banks now contend with sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud, identity compromise, insider collaboration, and illicit financial flows.
To address these emerging threats, the Nigeria Police Force is advancing an intelligence-led policing approach focused on protecting financial infrastructure. The IGP cited recent operations that dismantled violent criminal networks, disrupted kidnapping syndicates, and led to the recovery of illegal arms—efforts he said have strengthened the overall environment for business continuity.
He also referenced recent strategic engagements with the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Abuja and the Nigeria Exchange Group, aimed at reinforcing market integrity and investor protection.
In line with the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the Force is scaling up the recruitment, training, and deployment of Supernumerary Police Officers—commonly known as “Spy Police”—to meet the specialized security requirements of banks and other critical financial institutions.
Reaffirming the Police Force’s commitment, IGP Egbetokun described the banking sector as a strategic partner in safeguarding the stability, integrity, and international reputation of Nigeria’s financial system.
