By Adesakin Adefemi
January 14, 2026
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today hosted the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama and his senior management team on a high-level courtesy call at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, described as “timely and purposeful,” was aimed at deepening inter-agency cooperation to combat financial fraud, protect investors, and reinforce economic stability across the nation.
It marked a renewed pledge by both institutions to join forces in tackling the evolving threats posed by cyber-enabled financial crimes and capital market irregularities.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama opened the discussions by extending his heartfelt gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force for its consistent support in enforcing securities laws and investigating market-related offences.
He highlighted how the Force’s professionalism and rapid response to SEC’s requests have been instrumental in curbing market abuse, insider trading, and Ponzi schemes that threaten public trust in Nigeria’s capital markets. “The SEC could not function effectively without the backing of a competent and committed law enforcement agency like the Nigeria Police,” he said, urging for even stronger coordination moving forward.
A key focus of the SEC delegation was the need to intensify joint efforts with the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC). Dr. Agama noted that cyber fraudsters are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to defraud investors and manipulate stock prices and that the NPF-NCCC’s advanced forensic tools and investigative expertise make it a vital ally.
He proposed regular joint training, intelligence sharing, and joint task forces to pre-empt and disrupt sophisticated cyber-financial crime networks operating across the country.
Responding to the SEC’s overtures, IGP Egbetokun warmly welcomed the delegation and thanked Dr. Agama for the Commission’s proactive stance in regulating the capital market.
He assured the SEC that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Commission in all matters of enforcement, investigation, and public education. “We recognize that economic prosperity is inseparable from law and order, and we will not relent in ensuring that our financial system remains safe and secure for all stakeholders,” the IGP declared.
The IGP also announced plans to expand capacity-building programs for police officers attached to financial crime units, in collaboration with SEC.
These would include workshops on securities law, market conduct, digital forensics, and evidence preservation, equipping officers to handle complex financial investigations with precision.
He added that such training would not only enhance case outcomes but also boost confidence among investors that their investments are protected by a vigilant and knowledgeable law enforcement arm.
Both leaders agreed on the need for a formalized platform for real-time intelligence exchange between SEC’s Compliance and Enforcement Division and the Police’s Economic and Financial Crimes Unit (EFCC) as well as the NPF-NCCC.
This would enable faster detection of suspicious transactions, coordinated raids, and seamless evidence handover reducing delays in prosecution and increasing conviction rates for white-collar criminals.
Dr. Agama emphasized that investor confidence is the bedrock of a thriving capital market and that joint action by regulators and law enforcement sends a strong deterrent message. “When investors know that there is a credible system in place to protect their investments, they will bring more capital into the market creating jobs, growing GDP, and funding critical infrastructure,” he said.
The IGP echoed this sentiment, stating that a stable financial ecosystem is essential for Nigeria’s long-term development.
The meeting also took stock of past successes, including the joint dismantling of several pyramid schemes and arrest of market manipulators in recent years.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and pledged to scale up operations, especially in emerging areas like cryptocurrency regulation, digital asset trading, and corporate governance enforcement.
Dr. Agama reiterated SEC’s mandate to transform Nigeria into a top investment destination in Africa. He called for continued police support in creating an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors, one that is secure, transparent, and free from fraud. “Together with the Nigeria Police, we can build a financial system that is resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive,” he concluded.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer (anipr, mipra), confirmed the visit and stated: “The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property, including the financial assets of Nigerians.
We view our partnership with SEC as a strategic alliance that will yield dividends in national security, investor confidence, and economic growth.” The meeting concluded with a photo session and exchange of goodwill gifts, signalling a new chapter of synergy between Nigeria’s premier financial regulator and its largest law enforcement agency.
