The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has officially verified an exclusive report by The Press regarding the designation of 15 entities, comprising nine individuals and six Bureau De Change firms, allegedly involved in terrorism financing.
Following the directive of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Sanctions Committee disclosed the identities of the 15 indicted entities on Monday, March 18, as reported by The Press on Wednesday, March 20.
Confirming the report to journalists, NFIU spokesperson Sani Tukur explained that the designations received approval from President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Tukur clarified, “It wasn’t actually a statement from the NFIU but a release by the Nigerian Sanctions Committee. However, the NFIU is the secretariat of the committee, hence the email that was used by the committee to send to its subscribers.”
He further elaborated on the process of designation, emphasizing that decisions are made by the National Sanctions Committee after a meeting at the Attorney General’s office.
Earlier reports by The Press had listed the individuals and firms under sanctions, with Tukur Mamu topping the list for allegedly aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
The development was detailed in an email titled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024,” sent by the NFIU to our correspondent on Tuesday night.
The document outlined specific individuals and entities recommended for sanctions due to their involvement in terrorism financing, with Mamu accused of receiving and delivering ransom payments in support of ISWAP terrorists.
The NFIU’s confirmation underscores the government’s commitment to combatting terrorism financing and ensuring national security.
