The Nigerian government has identified 15 individuals and entities allegedly involved in terrorism financing, including publishers, terrorist group members, and financial couriers. Measures have been taken to freeze their funds and assets to disrupt the flow of funds supporting terrorism.
Nigerian Government Identifies Individuals and Entities Involved in Terrorism Financing
The Nigerian government has recently identified 15 entities allegedly involved in terrorism financing. This includes nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms. Measures have been taken to freeze their funds and assets to disrupt the flow of funds supporting terrorism.
( Credit to: Tribuneonlineng )
During a meeting held on March 18, 2024, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee recommended specific individuals and entities for sanctions due to their involvement in terrorism financing. The document titled ‘Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024’ provides details about these individuals and entities.
Individuals Involved in Terrorism Financing
The document reveals the identity of several individuals involved in terrorism financing. One of them is Tukur Mamu, a publisher based in Kaduna. Mamu is currently facing trial for allegedly aiding the terrorists responsible for the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022. According to the document, Mamu participated in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransom payments to support ISWAP terrorists in exchange for the release of hostages from the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
Another individual is suspected of carrying out the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State on June 5, 2022, as well as the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja on July 5, 2022. Additionally, there is an individual described as a member of the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. This person has expertise in designing terrorist clandestine communication codes and is an Improvised Explosive Device expert. They have connections to ANSARU leader Mohammed Usman, also known as Khalid Al-Barnawi, and have served as a courier and travel guide for AQIM Katibat in Algeria and Mali.
Furthermore, a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Okene was also identified. This individual became prominent in 2012 as a leader of the North Central wing of Boko Haram. Another individual mentioned in the document is a financial courier to ISWAP in Okene, responsible for disbursing funds to the widows and wives of terrorist fighters.
Entities Involved in Terrorism Financing
The document highlights the involvement of six Bureau De Change operators and firms in terrorism financing. These entities have been identified and measures have been taken to freeze their funds and assets.
Financial Transactions and Sanctions
The document also provides information about the financial transactions involving the designated individuals. One individual transferred a significant amount of money to terrorism convicts and received a substantial sum between 2016 and 2018. Another individual had significant inflows and outflows from their accounts. According to Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are required to freeze all funds, assets, and economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities, and report these actions to the Sanctions Committee.
It is crucial for institutions and individuals to comply with these obligations and report any suspicious financial transactions related to the designated persons or entities. The freezing of funds and assets extends to all those owned or controlled by the designated individuals or entities, as well as those derived from them or owned by persons acting on their behalf.
Impact and Importance of Identifying Terrorism Financing
By taking these measures, the Nigerian government aims to disrupt the flow of funds that support terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Identifying and sanctioning individuals and entities involved in terrorism financing is a crucial step in the fight against terrorism and the protection of national security.
It is essential for the government and relevant authorities to continue their efforts in tracking and stopping terrorism financing. By doing so, they can dismantle terrorist networks, prevent attacks, and safeguard the well-being of the people.
