IGP Egbetokun Flags Off 3-Day Strategic Training on Digital Trading, Forex-Related Financial Crime Investigation
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Monday declared open a three-day Strategic Training Programme on Digital Trading Systems and Forex-Related Financial Crime Investigation for officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), as part of efforts to strengthen the Force’s capacity to tackle emerging financial and cyber-enabled crimes.
The training, which runs from Monday, January 12 to Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is taking place at Best Western (BWC) Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) reports.
In his keynote address, delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner of Police, Department of Training and Development, CP Eloho E. Okpoziakpo, the IGP described the programme as a critical step toward enhancing Nigeria’s response to modern financial crimes.
IGP Egbetokun noted that digital trading platforms, online forex markets, and cross-border financial transactions are increasingly being exploited for fraud, illicit financial flows, and organised criminal activities. He stressed that building advanced investigative capacity in this area is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system, protecting investors, disrupting criminal financing networks, and strengthening national security.
According to him, the programme is designed to equip participating officers with a comprehensive understanding of the digital financial ecosystem, including the structure and operations of digital trading and foreign exchange markets, legitimate trading practices, emerging fraud typologies, and key investigative red flags. He said this knowledge is crucial for distinguishing lawful investment activities from fraudulent schemes, thereby improving investigative accuracy and professionalism.
The IGP urged participants to approach the training with discipline and professionalism, emphasizing that the knowledge acquired should be cascaded within their respective units to strengthen investigations and enhance public confidence in law enforcement.
“Financial crime is a major enabler of violent crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, arms trafficking, and transnational organised crime,” Egbetokun said. “Strengthening our capacity to investigate digital trading abuses and forex-related fraud is a direct investment in national security and public safety.”
He expressed the appreciation of the Nigeria Police Force to HF Markets Nigeria Limited (HFM) and its partners for their strategic support, describing the collaboration as a model public–private partnership aligned with United Nations principles, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, and Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) obligations.
“As financial and cyber-enabled crimes increasingly transcend national borders, partnerships of this nature enhance investigative capacity, strengthen regulatory compliance, and support financial intelligence efforts,” the IGP added, noting that such engagements promote global financial integrity, economic stability, and investor confidence.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of HF Markets Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ope Abiola, said the training was designed to provide investigators with clarity on how digital trading and forex transactions operate, how to distinguish legitimate market losses from criminal deception, and how responsibilities are shared across the financial ecosystem. He stressed that the programme was structured to be neutral, evidence-based, and investigative in approach.
Also delivering a goodwill message, financial markets analyst Mr. Heritage Adisa commended the Nigeria Police Force for partnering with the private sector to deepen understanding of digital financial markets. He noted that the ability to separate genuine market activity from criminal conduct is essential for effective investigations and investor protection.
Participants at the training were drawn from key units of the Nigeria Police Force, including the Cybercrime Unit, Anti-Fraud Section, INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Anti-Money Laundering Units, Police Special Fraud Unit, Forensic Section, State and Zonal Criminal Investigation Departments, and other specialised investigative units. Officers involved in counter-terrorism financing as well as kidnapping and ransom payment tracking are also participating, reflecting the nexus between financial crimes and violent criminal activities.
Senior police officers and special guests present at the training include the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal CID, Zone 2, DCP Fakeye Olubunmi; Deputy Commissioner of Police, General Investigation, Force CID, Alagbon, DCP Odubona O. Oludotun; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anti-Fraud, Force CID, Alagbon, DCP Olayinka Ajeigbe; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Police Special Fraud Unit, ACP Uduak Edet; Compliance Officer, HF Markets, Mrs. Victoria Ogunbiyi; Business Development Manager, HF Markets, Mr. Olumide Oderinde; and Marketing Manager, HF Markets, Mrs. Oluwakemi Adebiyi, among others.
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