The Nigerian Federal Government has taken decisive action against terrorism financing, announcing the identification of 15 entities suspected of funding terrorism. Among them are nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms.
The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) disclosed this development in a report titled “Identification of Persons and Organisations as of March 18, 2024.”
According to the report, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee convened on March 18, 2024, and identified certain individuals and entities for sanctions due to their ties to terrorism financing.
The report revealed that Tukur Mamu, a publisher from Kaduna, currently undergoing trial for suspected involvement in the March 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train, has been implicated.
Mamu is accused of participating in financing terrorism by allegedly receiving and delivering ransom payments totaling over $200,000 US to support ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages from the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
Additionally, one of the individuals mentioned in the report is suspected to be responsible for the attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Another individual is linked to the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and is described as a trained terrorist with expertise in designing clandestine communication codes and improvised explosive devices.
Furthermore, the report identifies a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) based in Okene, who is suspected of orchestrating attacks in various regions, including the St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State.
The NFIU also highlighted financial couriers responsible for disbursing funds to widows/wives of terrorist fighters and individuals involved in transferring substantial sums of money associated with terrorism activities.
These designations mark a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism financing and disrupt the activities of terrorist organisations operating within its borders.
The government’s actions underscore its commitment to national security and the protection of its citizens from the threats posed by terrorism.
