Police, Bank Chiefs Forge Stronger Alliance To Secure Nigeria’s Financial System
As financial crime grows more sophisticated, the safety of Nigeria’s banking system is fast becoming a frontline national security issue.
This reality shaped high-level talks in Lagos where the Nigeria Police Force and leaders of the banking sector agreed to deepen collaboration to protect the country’s financial architecture.
At an engagement hosted by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Body of Banks’ CEOs, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, said financial security is inseparable from national security, stressing that resilient banking operations are vital to investor confidence and Nigeria’s global standing.
The IGP warned that beyond armed attacks, banks now face cyber-enabled fraud, identity compromise, insider facilitation and illicit financial flows.
He said the Police are responding with intelligence-led operations, citing recent successes against violent crime networks, kidnapping syndicates and illegal arms trafficking to stabilise the business environment.
Egbetokun also disclosed ongoing engagements with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigeria Exchange Group to strengthen investor protection and financial system integrity.
In line with the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Force is expanding the recruitment and specialised training of Supernumerary Police Officers to meet the security needs of banks and other critical financial institutions.
The Police chief reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to a closer strategic partnership with the banking sector to safeguard the stability and international reputation of Nigeria’s financial system.
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