The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians against counterfeit Naira banknotes.

The apex bank, on Friday, gave the warning in a notice titled ‘Beware of Counterfeit Naira Banknotes in Circulation’.

The Bank urged all Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses, Bureau de Change and the general public to be more vigilant and take all necessary precautions.

The bank also assured Nigerians that it is working with security operatives to apprehend culprits.

“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, especially higher denominations, by some individuals for transactions in food markets and other commercial centres across major cities in the country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 20(4) of the CBN Act (2007) as amended, states that: “It shall be an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years for any person to falsify, make or counterfeit any bank note or coin issued by the Bank which is legal tender in Nigeria.”

“The CBN is in constant collaboration with relevant security and financial agencies to confiscate fake Naira banknotes, arrest and prosecute counterfeiters. Members of the public are also encouraged to report anyone suspected of having counterfeit naira notes to the nearest police station, or branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile, all Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses and Bureau de Change and the general public are enjoined to be more vigilant and take all necessary precautionary measures to curtail the acceptance and distribution of counterfeit notes”, the statement reads.

The CBN also encouraged Nigerians to embrace alternative modes of payment, echannels, for day-to-day transactions to mitigate the risk of spreading counterfeit banknotes.