The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, today 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).
This is as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Force’s capacity to combat modern financial and cyber-enabled crimes. The programme, which runs from Monday, January 12 to Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is held at Best Western (BWC) Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In his keynote address, IGP Egbetokun described the training as a “critical step in strengthening Nigeria’s response to modern financial crime.” He was ably represented at the opening ceremony by the Commissioner of Police, Department of Training and Development, CP Eloho E. Okpoziakpo.
The IGP noted that digital trading platforms, online forex markets, and cross-border transactions are increasingly being exploited for fraud, illicit financial flows, and organised criminal activities, therefore, “building advanced investigative capacity in this area is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system, protecting investors, disrupting criminal financing networks, and reinforcing national security.”
According to the IGP, 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 investigative red flags.
This, he noted, is vital for distinguishing lawful investment activities from fraudulent schemes and improving investigative accuracy and professionalism. He urged participants to approach the training with discipline and professionalism, stressing that the knowledge gained must be shared within their respective units to strengthen investigations and enhance public trust.
“Financial crime is a major enabler of violent crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, arms trafficking, and transnational organised crime,” IGP Egbetokun emphasised. “Strengthening our capacity to investigate digital trading abuses and forex-related fraud is a direct investment in national security and public safety.”
Egbetokun expressed the profound 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 of effective public–private partnership in line 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 continue to transcend national borders, partnerships of this nature strengthen investigative capacity, enhance regulatory compliance, and support financial intelligence efforts,” he said, adding that such engagements promote global financial integrity, economic stability, and investor confidence,” he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of HFM Markets, Mr. Ope, said the training was conceived to provide investigators with clarity on how digital trading and forex transactions work, distinguish legitimate market losses from criminal deception, and define responsibilities within the financial ecosystem. He stressed that the programme was structured to be neutral, evidence-based, and investigative in tone.
A goodwill message was also delivered by financial markets analyst, Mr. Heritage Adisa, who 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 critical for effective investigations and investor protection.
The training draws participants from key formations 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, as well as other specialised investigative units. Officers involved in counter-terrorism financing, kidnapping and ransom payment tracking are also participating, reflecting the link between financial crimes and violent criminal activities.