Nigeria has won the 2026 UNODC World Bank Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award.
The award is one of the highest operational honours in the international financial intelligence community, following a case that highlighted the role of intelligence-sharing and cross-border cooperation in tackling financial crime.
Beyond the recognition itself, the award draws attention to the increasing role of financial intelligence in investigations that span multiple jurisdictions and rely on close collaboration between intelligence agencies and law enforcement. It also comes as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen its anti-money laundering regime and align with international standards.
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, Mrs Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, described the recognition as a defining moment for the country’s financial intelligence architecture after it was presented at the 32nd Egmont Group Plenary of Heads of Financial Intelligence Units in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The meeting was attended by the new President of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, Mr Giles Thompson.
According to Mrs Hafsat Abubakar Bakari:
“This recognition by the Egmont Group is a proud moment for Nigeria and a powerful affirmation of the quality, professionalism and impact of our financial intelligence architecture.”
The award was presented for a case that demonstrated innovation, operational effectiveness, international cooperation and measurable impact in tackling money laundering and other serious financial crimes.
According to the NFIU, the case showed how timely financial intelligence, professional analysis, effective inter-agency collaboration and international cooperation supported investigations, asset recovery and the pursuit of justice.
The agency said its intelligence played a critical role in an investigation conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), illustrating the complementary roles of financial intelligence and law enforcement.
The StAR Initiative Award, established under the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, recognises cases in which the exchange and analysis of financial intelligence have significantly advanced investigations, disrupted illicit financial networks and strengthened cooperation among Financial Intelligence Units around the world.
Bakari added:
“The Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award demonstrates what is possible when intelligence is effectively analysed, securely shared and transformed into operational outcomes that disrupt illicit financial networks and recover assets for the public good. It also reflects Nigeria’s contribution to global efforts against money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious financial crimes.”
She also commended the EFCC for its role in the award-winning case, saying the recognition underscored the value of sustained cooperation between both institutions; stating:
“I wish to particularly commend the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, and the dedicated officers of the EFCC for their unwavering commitment to collaboration and excellence. This award affirms the strength of inter-agency cooperation in Nigeria. The partnership between the NFIU and the EFCC continues to demonstrate that when institutions work together with a shared purpose, they can achieve outcomes that earn global recognition and deliver tangible results in the fight against financial crime.”
The case also highlights how financial crime investigations have become increasingly dependent on cooperation among intelligence agencies, investigators, regulators and international partners as illicit funds move through more complex cross-border networks.
Bakari also congratulated NFIU staff and reporting entities across the financial sector for their continued support through the timely submission of financial reports that strengthen the country’s financial intelligence system.
The Egmont Group, which comprises Financial Intelligence Units from more than 186 jurisdictions, provides a secure platform for intelligence exchange and operational cooperation against money laundering, terrorism financing and related offences.
The 2026 UNODC World Bank Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award recognition comes as Nigeria steps up reforms aimed at strengthening its anti-money laundering framework and safeguarding the integrity of its financial system. It also reflects the contributions of prosecutors, regulators, reporting entities, law enforcement agencies and international partners involved in complex cross-border financial crime investigations.
Looking ahead, Bakari said:
“Financial crime is becoming increasingly complex, transnational and technology-driven. This award strengthens our resolve to continue investing in intelligence-led approaches, deepen cooperation with domestic and international partners, and ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of efforts to protect the integrity of the global financial system.”
