The Federal Government has disclosed the identities of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, allegedly linked to terrorism financing.
This revelation came to light through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which shared details via an email titled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”
The document, unveiled by the NFIU, indicated that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee convened on March 18, 2024, and recommended specific individuals and entities for sanction due to their purported involvement in terrorism financing.
With the approval of the President, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation designated the listed individuals and entities for inclusion on the Nigeria Sanctions List.
Among those named was Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher currently facing trial for allegedly aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022. Mamu stands accused of facilitating ransom payments exceeding USD 200,000D in support of ISWAP terrorists.
Another individual mentioned in the document is suspected to be behind the St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State, and the Kuje Correctional Center assault in Abuja. Additionally, one individual is associated with the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
The NFIU highlighted the expertise of one individual in designing terrorist communication codes and crafting improvised explosive devices. This person served under Muktar Belmokhtar and was a gatekeeper to ANSARU leader Mohammed Usman, also known as Khalid Al-Bamawi.
Furthermore, the document revealed the involvement of individuals in financing terrorist organizations such as ISWAP and Boko Haram. Financial couriers responsible for disbursing funds to terrorists’ families were also identified.
Under Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are mandated to freeze assets belonging to designated persons and entities, report such actions to the Sanctions Committee, and file Suspicious Transactions Reports to the NFIU.
The freezing obligation extends to all funds and assets owned or controlled by designated persons or entities, including those indirectly tied to terrorism financing. This directive underscores the government’s commitment to combatting terrorism financing and ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
