At Last, FG Reveals Those Financing Terrorism In Nigeria

In what can be described as a major development, Federal Government has now revealed those it said are responsible for financing terrorism in the country.

The Muhammadu Buhari administration has finally revealed those involved in fueling insurgency.

According to Muhammadu Buhari led administration, foreign Non-Governmental Organisations, banks, financial technology firms are responsible for financing insurgency.

These were contained in the 2022 National Inherent Risk Assessment of Terrorism Financing in Nigeria report.

In the 2022 National Inherent Risk Assessment of Terrorism Financing in Nigeria report, the FG listed some of those involved to include:

Foreign Non-Governmental Organisations,

Banks,

Financial technology firms

Point of Sale terminal operators

The report, which assessed the level of terrorism financing risks the nation was exposed to, identified the affected NGOs to include those operating in terror-prone areas and engaged in humanitarian activities, service provision and faith-based activities.

Going further, the report established that there are constant interactions between the use of cash by terrorist actors and financial institutions, bureau de change, fintech firms and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions.

The assessment read in part:

“The findings of this report indicate that TF in Nigeria is generally associated with the use of cash. This notwithstanding, field information flowing from law enforcement investigation as well as financial data have revealed constant interactions between the use of cash by terrorist actors and financial institutions, Bureau de Change, fintech firms and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions.

‘’The use of bank accounts in the movement of TF funds has featured prominently in both intelligence and investigations related to TF.

“Financial data have also shown that the illegal currency exchangers comingle transactions in their personal accounts as well as entity accounts held and controlled by them with that of their BDC activities.’’

Meanwhile, the growing spate of Insecurity in the Southwest is now the concerns of Afenifere, a sociopolitical group in the region.

Afenifere has raised alarm over incessant kidnapping in the southwest.

The frequent occurrence of kidnapping and other social vices in the southwestern region has been questioned by the pan-Yoruba socio-political group.

In a recent statement released by its publicity secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group expressed its worry over the recent trend of kidnapping at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the INEC office set ablaze in Ogun state.

The group said it was concerned that terrorism might have gradually crept its ugly head into the region.