FG identifies 96 sponsors of terror groups, to face prosecution and seizure of assets

Abiodun OBA

The Nigerian government on Thursday said it has uncovered 96 financiers of terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, who made the disclosure at a press conference in Abuja, further disclosed that an “analysis has resulted in the arrest of 45 suspects who will soon face prosecution and seizure of assets.”

Mohammed said, “Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), in 2020-2021, revealed 96 financiers of terrorism in Nigeria”.

He said the NFIU had intelligence exchanges on Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping and others with 19 countries.

The minister disclosed that 424 associates and supporters of the financiers were also uncovered.

Mohammed said about 123 companies and 33 Bureau de change were linked to terrorists in addition to 26 suspected bandits/kidnappers and seven co-conspirators who have now been identified.