Nigerian police raid a secret fake dollar printing factory in Ondo State, arrest one suspect, and recover bags of counterfeit US notes.
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have successfully uncovered and raided a secret criminal hideout operating as an illegal factory for printing fake United States dollar notes.
The successful security operation took place inside a remote building located in Kiniso Village, situated around the Ajue area within the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The major police crackdown was set into motion following a formal criminal complaint lodged at the Okitipupa Divisional Headquarters by a local currency exchange dealer based in the Sabo area of Okitipupa.
According to the report given by the distressed dealer, fraudsters had approached his shop under the pretense of exchanging foreign currency, but later swapped his genuine funds with fake notes amounting to an estimated ₦8.6 million in a fraudulent transaction.
Acting quickly on the citizen’s complaint, trained police detectives and intelligence officers used modern technical tracking and deep intelligence gathering to trace the movement of the suspects deep into their hidden operational base.
On October 29, 2026, tactical police operatives stormed the building used for mass-producing counterfeit foreign currencies intended to deceive innocent citizens.
During the surprise raid, officers successfully apprehended one of the main suspects, identified as Peter Desmond, while his partners in crime managed to escape by scaling the perimeter fence.
A thorough search of the secret hideout led to the immediate recovery of three heavy bags stuffed completely with suspected fake United States dollar bills, along with a small wooden box and various other printing machines and equipment used by the criminal syndicate.
Shedding more light on the ongoing police investigation and the arrest made during the operation, the Ondo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, stated:
“The suspect arrested has given useful information that is assisting the investigation.”
Highlighting the firm directives issued by the state police leadership to ensure all fleeing members of the criminal network are fished out and brought to justice, the police spokesperson added:
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed that the investigation be intensified to apprehend all other fleeing members of this network.”
The police command has issued a strong warning advising members of the general public to avoid dealing with unverified or roadside foreign exchange dealers.
Residents were further encouraged to report any suspicious financial transactions or the movement of strange persons in their communities to the nearest police station immediately.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
