EXCLUSIVE: Police ​SFU Has Made Our Job Easier-US

IG MOHAMMED ABUBAKAR

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the Department of Homeland Security, United States of America, yesterday said the consummate efforts to combat fraud by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), of the Nigeria Police has made their job easier.

The leader of the team, Special Agent Attach Matt Baechtle, made this disclosure during the courtesy call paid to the Commissioner of Police, SFU, Tunde Ogunsakin, in his office in Milverton, Ikoyi area of Lagos.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SFU, ​ Ngozi Isintume-Agu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the officials were led by an investigator from U.S. Consulate, Mr. Ayo Ajayi.

The gathered that the five-man team had come to Nigeria specifically to liaise on issues of cybercrime and other related offences with the nation's police fraud unit. 

ICE which is in charge of anti-bulk cash movement and money laundering back in the states, made the visit with some of its officials which include-  Special Agents Jack Waugaman, Charles Engle, Billy Riggins and Timothy Henderson. 

According to the team, the undeniable role of the SFU led by Ogunsakin rekindled their organisation's  interest in Nigeria, stressing that their job has been made lots easier because of the groundwork done by SFU.

While commending the unit and the CP for their professional handling of cases of fraud and arms running as reported by the U.S. Consulate, Baechtle pledged the unflinching support and collaboration with the unit.

According to him, through the recently created synergy, they would assist the SFU in the proposed training for officers and gate keepers of financial organisations to nip fraudsters in the bud.

In response, Ogunsakin, said the unit already has a robust relationship with U.S. Consulate in the area of criminal investigation, such as identity abuse, human trafficking and abuse of diversity visa lottery processes.

He further expressed the readiness of SFU to partner with the ICE, adding that crime is growing and as such there is need to cooperate globally to tackle fraud.