Tinubu’s Government Identifies 15 Terrorism Financiers, Announces Next Steps.
In a significant development, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has revealed the identities of 15 individuals, including six Bureau De Change operators, suspected of financing terrorism in Nigeria. The disclosure, made via an email reportedly received by The Punch, sheds light on a crucial aspect of the ongoing fight against terrorism in the country.
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The email, allegedly from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and titled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024,” outlined the findings of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC). The committee convened to address the issue on March 18, recommending sanctions against specific individuals and entities implicated in terrorism financing.
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Among the individuals named in the document is Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher currently facing trial by the federal government for his alleged involvement in aiding terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train line in March 2022. According to the email, Mamu is accused of facilitating ransom payments totaling $200,000 to ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages captured during the train attacks.
Additionally, the document identified another individual suspected of involvement in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and the subsequent assault on the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja on July 5, 2022.
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Furthermore, a member of the Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, a terrorist group linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, was named for his association with the notorious Muktar Belmokhtar, also known as “One-Eyed Out.
Those named in the document for financing terrorism include:
INDIVIDUALS
1. Tukur Mamu
2. Yusuf Ghazali
3. Muhammad Sani
4. Abubakar Muhammad
5. Sallamudeen Hassan
6. Adamu Ishak
7. Hassana-Oyiza Isah
8. Abdulkareem Musa,
9. Umar Abdullahi
BDC FIRMS
10. West and East Africa General Trading Company Limited
11. Settings Bureau De Change Limited
12. G. Side General Enterprises
13. Desert Exchange Ventures Limited
14. Eagle Square General Trading Company Limited
15. Alfa Exchange BDC.
The document further revealed that in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are required to:
“(a) Immediately, identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities in your possession and report same to the Sanctions Committee;
“(b) Report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.
“(c) Immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity; and
“(d) Report as a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU, all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this List.”
It said: “The freezing obligation required above shall extend to
“(a) All funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, and not only those that are tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing;
“(b) Those funds or other assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities;
“(c) The funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities; and
“(d) Funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities.”
President Tinubu’s government has underscored its commitment to addressing the scourge of terrorism in Nigeria. This revelation comes at a crucial time when the nation is grappling with security challenges across various regions. It signifies a proactive approach to combating terrorism by identifying and targeting those involved in financing these criminal activities.
In a related development, President Tinubu recently convened with service chiefs and other key stakeholders during the iftar, marking the breaking of the Ramadan fast. The president’s engagement with security personnel and government officials underscores the importance of collaboration and coordination in addressing security concerns across the nation.
As the government takes decisive steps to confront terrorism and safeguard the lives and properties of citizens, it remains imperative for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and actively support efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Nigeria.
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