In a significant move, the Federal Government has disclosed the identities of 15 entities involved in terrorism financing, comprising nine individuals and six Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and firms.
This revelation came to light through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which communicated the details via email to our correspondent late on Tuesday night under the title “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”
The NFIU revealed that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee convened on March 18, 2024, and recommended specific individuals and entities for sanction due to their involvement in terrorism financing.
According to the document, one of the named individuals is Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher currently undergoing trial for allegedly aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022. Mamu is accused of facilitating ransom payments exceeding $200,000 USD to ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages.
Furthermore, the document highlights the involvement of another individual in the St. Francis Catholic Church Owo and Kuje Correctional Center attacks, associating them with the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
Another individual, identified as a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Okene, is suspected of orchestrating attacks around the Federal Capital Territory and the South West Geographical Zone.
The NFIU emphasized the urgent need for financial institutions and individuals to freeze all funds, assets, and economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities, as mandated by Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
This directive underscores the government’s commitment to combating terrorism financing and ensuring national security.
Further developments on this matter are expected to unfold as authorities take decisive actions in response to these revelations.
