Spy Police Expansion: IGP Unveils New Security Push for Banks Nationwide
By Passman Akpos
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), in collaboration with the Body of Banks’ Chief Executive Officers, has hosted a high-level strategic engagement with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in Lagos, reaffirming a joint commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s financial system as a cornerstone of national stability and economic growth.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders in the banking and security sectors to deliberate on emerging threats and deepen cooperation aimed at strengthening the integrity of the country’s financial architecture.
In his address, IGP Egbetokun underscored the strong nexus between financial security and national security, stressing that the resilience of banking operations is fundamental to investor confidence and Nigeria’s global credibility. According to him, a stable and secure financial system not only sustains economic activities but also enhances the country’s standing in the international community.
He warned that the threat landscape confronting the banking sector has evolved significantly. While traditional risks such as armed robberies and physical attacks remain, the sector now faces more complex and technologically driven challenges, including cyber-enabled fraud, identity compromise, insider facilitation, and illicit financial flows.
To combat these risks, the Nigeria Police Force has intensified its intelligence-led policing strategy focused on protecting critical financial infrastructure. The IGP cited recent operations that dismantled violent crime networks, disrupted kidnapping syndicates, and led to the recovery of illegal arms—actions he said have helped create a safer environment for business continuity nationwide.
He also referenced recent engagements with the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Abuja and leadership of the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX), aimed at reinforcing financial system integrity and strengthening investor protection mechanisms.
In line with the Nigeria Police Act, the Force is scaling up the recruitment, training, and strategic deployment of Supernumerary Police Officers—commonly known as Spy Police—to meet the specialized security demands of banks and other critical financial institutions.
Concluding his remarks, IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the banking sector as a strategic partner in safeguarding the stability, integrity, and international reputation of Nigeria’s financial system.
The engagement signals a deepening synergy between financial regulators, banking leaders, and security agencies, reflecting a unified front against threats capable of undermining Nigeria’s economic progress.
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on February 12, 2026.
