The Federal Government says it has secured the conviction of over 730 individuals for terrorism-related offences, a milestone in its intensified crackdown on terror financing and illicit financial networks.
The revelation was made by Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), during an on-site meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) held Monday in Abuja.
Laka noted that more than 90 of the convictions were made possible through the direct efforts of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), highlighting the growing strength of inter-agency coordination in counterterrorism operations.
“Disrupting the financial lifelines of terrorist organisations is central to our national counterterrorism strategy,” Laka said.
“Our ability to prosecute over 730 terrorism-linked cases reflects the success of our coordinated national approach.”
He praised the collaboration between the NFIU and other security agencies, saying it had substantially reduced the flow of illicit funds fueling terror across the country.
Laka also highlighted the work of the Joint Standard Investigation Committee on Terrorism Financing, describing it as crucial in Nigeria’s capacity to investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes.
The FATF simulation exercise was described as a key step in preparing Nigeria for a full evaluation, which will determine whether the country can finally be removed from the FATF Grey List—a classification that signals elevated risk for money laundering and terrorism financing.
In her remarks, Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, said Nigeria had made notable progress on all 19 action items in the FATF compliance plan, thanks to a unified national approach.
Bakari revealed that FATF would be sending 11 international reviewers to Nigeria—an unusually large team, reflecting what she called “intense global interest and high expectations.”
“The FATF’s decision to invite Nigeria to participate as a guest member under our own flag shows confidence in our reform efforts,” Bakari said.
“While not full membership, it brings us a step closer to having a permanent seat at the global table.”
With terrorism trials stacking up and reform targets nearly met, the government’s next hurdle will be to convince the FATF it’s not just prosecuting crimes, but preventing them.
