The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has disclosed that the Federal Government has pinpointed 15 entities suspected of funding terrorism in Nigeria. Among these, there are nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms implicated in the financing activities, according to the NFIU.
The intricate web of terrorism financing in Nigeria unveils a dark underbelly that fuels extremist activities, perpetuates violence, and threatens the stability and security of the nation. Delving into the depths of this complex issue sheds light on the individuals and entities involved in funding terrorism, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to disrupt these financial networks and safeguard the country’s future.
Understanding Terrorism Financing in Nigeria
Terrorism financing poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s security, stability, and economic development, with far-reaching consequences that extend beyond borders. The financial lifeline that sustains terrorist organizations in the country enables them to carry out attacks, recruit members, procure weapons, and establish logistical support networks.
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From the recruitment of new members to the purchase of arms and ammunition, the utilization of funds for terrorist activities spans a wide spectrum of illicit transactions that fuel violence and undermine peace
Here is the full list of individuals and entities identified by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) as being involved in financing terrorism in Nigeria, as of March 18, 2024:
- Tukur Mamu: Publisher from Kaduna, presently undergoing trial for allegedly supporting terrorists involved in the March 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train. He is accused of participating in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransom payments exceeding $200,000 US in support of ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages from the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
- Unnamed Suspected Attacker: Linked to the attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022, and the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja on July 5, 2022.
- Member of Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam: Associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). This individual was trained under Muktar Belmokhtar, also known as One Eyed Out, and led the Al-Murabtoun Katibat of AQIM in Algeria and Mali. Described as specializing in designing terrorist clandestine communication codes and being an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert. Also served as a gatekeeper to ANSARU leader, Mohammed Usman, aka Khalid Al-Bamawi. This individual fled from the Kuje Correctional Center on July 5, 2022, and is currently at large.
- Senior Commander of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Okene: Came into prominence in 2012 at the North Central wing of Boko Haram. Suspected of being involved in attacks around the Federal Capital Territory and the South West Geographical Zone, including the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
- Financial Courier to ISWAP in Okene: Responsible for the disbursement of funds to the widows/wives of terrorist fighters within the group.
- Individual involved in Transferring Funds to Terrorism Convicts: This person reportedly transferred N60 million to terrorism convicts in 2015 and received a sum of N189 million between 2016 and 2018.
- Individual with Business Entities in UAE: Owns entities and businesses reported in a UAE court judgment as facilitating the transfer of terrorist funds from Dubai to Nigeria.
- Another Individual with Significant Financial Transactions: This person had a total inflow of N61.4 billion and a total outflow of N51.7 billion from their accounts between unspecified periods.