- 96 financiers of terrorism and 424 of their associates/supporters were uncovered in Nigeria in 2022 – Anadolu
The Federal Government has unveiled the identities of 15 entities, comprising nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, allegedly involved in financing terrorism. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit disclosed this information following a meeting of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee on March 18, 2024.
Among those named is Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher currently under trial for purportedly aiding terrorists involved in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022. Mamu, known as an ally of Sheikh Gumi, is accused of facilitating ransom payments exceeding $200,000 US to ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages from the aforementioned attack.
Additionally, the document identifies individuals linked to specific terrorist activities, such as the attacks on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja. One individual is associated with Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, with expertise in clandestine communication codes and improvised explosive devices.
Moreover, individuals responsible for financing terrorist groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram, were highlighted. These individuals were involved in transferring significant sums of money, owning businesses implicated in facilitating the transfer of terrorist fund.
In accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are obligated to freeze assets belonging to the designated persons and entities, report such assets to the Sanctions Committee, file Suspicious Transactions Reports to the NFIU, and comply with freezing obligations extending to all assets owned or controlled by designated persons or entities.
IMAGE: Nigeriaworld
