Also 123 coys, 33 bureaux de change named as sponsors of terrorism

* Strengthen security partnerships with UK against terrorism

By Myke Uzendu 

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has disclosed that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered 96 alleged financiers of terrorism, including 424 associates/supporters of the financiers.

The Minister, who spoke on Thursday at a media briefing on the anti-corruption fight carried out by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration also said the fraud unit unmasked 123 companies and 33 bureaux de change linked with terrorism in the country.

However, Mohammed expose the identity of the sponsors and companies linked with the terrible act.

However, he said: “The analysis by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, in 2020-2021, revealed 96 financiers of terrorism in Nigeria, 424 associates/supporters of the financiers, involvement of about 123 companies and 33 bureaux de change, in addition to identifying 26 suspected bandits/kidnappers and 7 co-conspirators. 

“The analysis has resulted in the arrest of 45 suspects who will soon face prosecution and seizure of assets.

“Also, from its analysis of tax evasion and tax avoidance linked to corruption, NFIU has identified N3,909,707,678,112.43 in VAT and N3,737,918,335,785.82 in Withholding Tax due to the Government. 

“NFIU has also sent 1,165 intelligence reports on cases of corruption, money laundering and other serious offences to 27 domestic agencies for investigation, prosecution and asset recovery.

“On terrorism financing, NFIU had intelligence exchanges on Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping and others with 19 countries. 

“During the same period, 2020-2021, the organization returned fraudulently-obtained funds totalling US$103,722,102.83, 3,000 Pound Sterling; 7,695 Singapore Dollar and 1,091 Euros to 11 countries of victims who came into the country.”

Meanwhile, a three-day maiden Nigeria and United Kingdom (UK) Security and Defence Partnership dialogue ended with an agreement to strengthen both country’s security and defence partnerships against terrorism and also to build regional security.

In a statement at the end of the dialogue held in London, the British High Commission in Nigeria, said: “New commitments made this week at the first-ever UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership dialogue will boost work to tackle shared threats and keep both British and Nigerian people safe. 

“It includes commitments to work together to improve civilian policing standards, protect human rights and recognise the important role of women in achieving sustainable peace.

“Further UK support to Nigeria in tackling ISWA and Boko Haram will also build on our work together to respond to conflict with extremist groups in the North East of the country.

’”Following the dialogue, the United Kingdom Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford said: ‘Conflict and insecurity are leading to the loss of life and increasing displacement of millions of people across West Africa. 

“It affects the freedom of civilians and blocks economic growth, further undermining peace and prosperity. 

“Through these new agreements, the UK is deepening our partnership with Nigeria to tackle shared threats, bolster regional stabilisation efforts and support Nigeria’s peacekeeping capabilities”.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), said: ‘Nigeria and the United Kingdom faced with complex and evolving security threats, realises the need to forge greater alliances and partnerships with friendly nations, in order to combat these threats. 

“It is particularly imperative that we work together to combat the threats of modern-day terrorism.

“The discussions and agreements reached today present an opportunity for officials at the highest levels of both our governments to work together to address threats from terrorism, inter-communal conflicts, serious organised crime, piracy, banditry, border security and trafficking in drugs and persons, amongst others”.