The Federal Government has identified 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, allegedly involved in terrorism financing. This development was revealed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, which disclosed that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee met on March 18, 2024, and recommended specific individuals and entities for sanctions due to their involvement in terrorism financing.
Among those named in the document is a Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu, who is being tried for allegedly aiding terrorists involved in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack. Mamu is accused of participating in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransom payments to ISWAP terrorists.
Another individual is described as the suspected attacker of St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja. There is also a member of the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, who is an expert in designing terrorist communication codes and an Improvised Explosive Device expert.
Additionally, the list includes a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province in Okene, responsible for attacks around the Federal Capital Territory and the South West Geographical Zone. Another individual identified is a financial courier to ISWAP in Okene, responsible for disbursing funds to the widows/wives of terrorist fighters.
In accordance with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are required to identify and freeze all funds, assets, and economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities in their possession. They are also required to report such assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.
