June 21, 2018

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering
and Terrorism  Financing in West Africa (GIABA) on Thursday announced its plans to include
more officers of the Nigerian Police in its training programmes.

GIABA is an institution of ECOWAS responsible for facilitating the
adoption and implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and
Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) in West Africa.

GIABA’s Information Manager in Nigeria, Mr Timothy Melaye, disclosed this
when he led the organisation’s team and partners on a courtesy visit to the
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal.

Melaye said that the visit was for GIABA to also establish a cordial
working relationship with the current police commissioner, like it had
had with previous Lagos State commissioners of police.

“We have always seen the need to work closely with the Nigerian Police in
our responsibility in ensuring compliance with Anti-Money
Laundering (AML)and Counter-Financing of Terrorism(CFT) in Nigeria.

“And there has been an existing relationship between us and previous
Lagos State Commissioners of Police. We have had discussions with
past police commissioners on the need for us to partner in fighting
terrorism financing.

“We are planning to train more men and women of the Nigerian Police,
among others in the region, in fighting terrorism financing,’’ he said.

Melaye said that the training would be done in batches, with selection
of officers from relevant security agencies from across the region.

He commended the commissioner of police in his ongoing efforts at
reducing crime, as well as ensuring safety of lives and property in
Lagos State.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal, said that the visit
was a step in the right direction, adding that his command was
willing to close ranks with GIABA in its responsibilities.

Edgal said that he was particularly passionate about giving
result-oriented trainings, both at home and abroad, to men and women
of his command.

“Let me say that we are ready to support you in anything that relates to
crime, whether it is on money laundering, terrorism financing and
trans-border crime. As long as it is crime, the police must be
involved.

“We will be very interested in seeing you involve more of our men
and women in your training programmes, both within and outside this country.

“We must keep this relationship going so that when you have
information regarding terrorism financing and other issues, you can
contact us,’’ he said.