Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a bold move to combat terrorism financing, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the identities of 15 entities allegedly involved in such illicit activities. This revelation, disclosed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), comes as a significant stride in the ongoing battle against terrorism in the region.
Truth Live News can confirm that, among the identified entities are nine individuals and six Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and firms, implicated in financing terrorist activities. The Nigeria Sanctions Committee, in a meeting held on March 18, 2024, recommended specific sanctions against these entities, a decision backed by the President and the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation.
Notably, one of the individuals named is Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher currently facing trial for his alleged involvement in aiding terrorists responsible for the March 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train. Mamu stands accused of facilitating ransom payments exceeding $200,000 USD to support ISWAP terrorists in exchange for the release of hostages from the aforementioned attack.
The document further reveals individuals connected to various terrorist activities, including assaults on religious institutions and association with extremist groups like Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP). These individuals are suspected of financing terrorism, acting as financial couriers, and facilitating the transfer of terrorist funds.
In line with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, institutions and individuals are mandated to freeze any funds, assets, or economic resources linked to the designated persons and entities. Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to legal repercussions, underscoring the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism financing and safeguarding national security.
This latest development reveals the pressing need for robust measures to curb corporate money laundering and terrorism financing across Africa, signaling a concerted effort by Nigerian authorities to tackle these grave threats to society.