Police train officers on forensic investigation amid rising fraud cases

The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has said the increasing sophistication of financial crimes, cyber-enabled fraud and other emerging criminal activities requires investigators to acquire advanced forensic and investigative skills to effectively combat criminality.

The CP stated this at the training of senior police officers on Forensic and Fraud Investigation in Minna.

Elleman, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DCP Aminu Garba, explained that the nature of crime is changing rapidly, making it imperative for investigators to possess modern knowledge, forensic expertise and contemporary investigative techniques capable of addressing 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 police commissioner noted that the training comes at a critical time when law enforcement agencies are confronted with increasingly complex crimes requiring specialised investigative approaches.

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

CP Elleman also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olufemi Disu, for approving the training programme, describing it as another step towards 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 then urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their competencies in the investigation, detection and prosecution of fraud-related offences, stressing that the knowledge acquired would enhance the quality of investigations and strengthen public confidence in the police.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, the 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 aimed at improving the capacity of officers and equipping them with modern investigative skills.

According to her, 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.

Ogbulu expressed confidence that the programme would produce better investigators and improve the ability of officers to detect, investigate and prosecute criminal offences.

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

Police train officers on forensic investigation amid rising fraud cases