Police train officers in forensic investigation amid rising fraud cases

Commissioner of Police for Niger State, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, emphasized that the growing sophistication of financial crime, cyber‑enabled fraud, and other emerging criminal activities demands that investigators acquire advanced forensic and investigative skills to effectively counter these threats.

Elleman made the remarks during a training session for senior police officers on Forensic and Fraud Investigation held in Minna.

Represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police for Finance and Administration, DCP Aminu Garba, Elleman noted that the nature of crime is evolving rapidly, requiring investigators to possess modern knowledge, forensic expertise, and contemporary investigative techniques capable of tackling complex criminal activities.

“The increasing sophistication of financial crimes, cyber‑enabled fraud and other emerging criminal activities requires investigators to possess advanced knowledge, forensic skills and contemporary investigative techniques,” he said.

The commissioner highlighted that the training comes at a critical time when law‑enforcement agencies face increasingly complex crimes that demand specialised investigative approaches.

He explained that the programme is part of ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing officer professionalism.

CP Elleman thanked Inspector‑General of Police Olufemi Disu for approving the training programme, describing it as another step toward building a knowledge‑driven and technology‑compliant police force capable of meeting contemporary security challenges.

“The success of modern policing depends not only on courage and dedication but also on knowledge, innovation and continuous learning,” Elleman said.

He urged participants to seize the opportunity to improve their competencies in investigating, detecting and prosecuting fraud‑related offences, stressing that the knowledge gained would enhance the quality of investigations and strengthen public confidence in the police.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, convener Dr. Pearl Chidima Ogbulu described the training as timely, noting that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods.

She commended the Inspector‑General of Police for supporting initiatives that improve officer capacity and equip them with modern investigative skills.

According to Ogbulu, the training is designed to expose participants to contemporary forensic and fraud investigation techniques that will enable them to carry out their duties more effectively.

She expressed confidence that the programme will produce better investigators and improve officers’ ability to detect, investigate and prosecute criminal offences.

Ogbulu added that strengthening investigative capacity remains critical to improving crime detection, securing convictions and enhancing public trust in law‑enforcement institutions.