The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has underscored the strong nexus between financial security and national security.

Egbetokun notes that the resilience of banking operations is central to investor confidence and Nigeria’s global credibility.

He stated this at the engagement with Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, in collaboration with the Body of Banks’ CEOs, in Lagos.

The meeting reinforced the shared commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system as a critical pillar of national stability and economic growth.

The IGP highlighted the evolving threat environment, emphasising that beyond traditional risks such as armed attacks, the sector now faces increasingly sophisticated challenges, including cyber-enabled fraud, identity compromise, insider facilitation, and illicit financial flows.

To address the risks, Egbetokun said the Nigeria Police Force continues to advance an intelligence-led approach to protecting financial infrastructure.

He referenced recent operations that dismantled violent crime networks, disrupted kidnapping syndicates, and recovered illegal arms, thereby strengthening the enabling environment for business continuity.

Egbetokun further noted his recent engagements with the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Abuja and the Nigeria Exchange Group, both aimed at enhancing financial system integrity and investor protection.

In line with the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the Force is enhancing the recruitment, training, and deployment of Supernumerary Police Officers (Spy Police) to meet the specialized security needs of banks and other critical financial institutions.

In conclusion, IGP Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to working closely with the banking sector as a strategic partner in safeguarding the stability, integrity, and international reputation of Nigeria’s financial architecture.

This is contained in a statement made available by Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Benjamin Hundeyin.