FCID Lagos enhances capacity to combat cryptocurrency crimes through international training

Michael Olumide

Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, has taken a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s response to emerging cyber-enabled financial crimes with the successful completion of a specialized training programme on Cryptocurrency Tracing, Analysis, and Investigation.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, FCID Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, ASP Mayegun Aminat, the training, which was facilitated in collaboration with the United States Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) – Regional Security Office and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), was conducted through the United States Consulate General, Lagos.

The programme brought together a seven-member team of international facilitators who conducted intensive practical sessions for officers of the FCID drawn from various operational units.

The sessions were held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) Lagos Annex and focused on modern techniques for tracking cryptocurrency transactions, understanding blockchain technology, and investigating crimes involving digital assets.

According to the FCID leadership, the training is part of ongoing efforts to equip officers with the technical competence required to respond effectively to the growing complexity of cyber and financial crimes, particularly those involving virtual currencies increasingly used for fraud, money laundering, and other illicit transactions.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of FCID Annex, AIG Simeon Akpanudom, expressed appreciation to the United States Consulate General and its partner agencies for their continued support in enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

He was represented at the programme by the Officer-in-Charge of the NPF-NCCC Annex, Lagos, SP Smart Abubakar, who commended the facilitators for the depth and practical relevance of the training.

He noted that the collaboration reflects a shared global commitment to tackling cybercrime, which continues to evolve across borders and jurisdictions.

SP Abubakar further reaffirmed FCID’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships, intelligence sharing, and continuous professional development to improve investigative outcomes and strengthen public trust in law enforcement.

He emphasized that the integration of advanced digital forensics and cryptocurrency tracing skills would significantly enhance the ability of officers to dismantle criminal networks operating within the cyber and financial crime space.

The initiative underscores the growing importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing cybercrime and highlights FCID Lagos’ strategic push to stay ahead of technologically sophisticated criminal activities.

Officials noted that the training marks another milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s law enforcement capabilities in the digital age, particularly as financial crimes increasingly migrate to virtual platforms.

The programme is expected to improve operational readiness and investigative precision across FCID units, ensuring more effective responses to cryptocurrency-related offenses.