The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that it has successfully prosecuted more than 730 terrorism-related cases, securing 90 convictions in the process. This development is seen as a key achievement in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and related financial crimes.
This announcement was made by Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), during a working session with officials from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Abuja on Monday.
Laka emphasized that one of the pillars of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism campaign is the deliberate targeting and disruption of financial channels that support terrorist activities nationwide. According to him, halting the flow of illicit funds is essential to weakening the operations of terror networks.
He pointed out that the successful prosecution of the 90 individuals was largely supported by intelligence and data shared by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). This, he said, highlights the effectiveness of cross-agency collaboration in combating security threats.
“Our ability to prosecute over 730 terrorism-related cases is a direct reflection of the efficiency of our coordinated national strategy. The involvement of the NFIU led to more than 90 successful convictions,” Laka stated.
He also praised the synergy between the NFIU and other security and financial enforcement bodies, noting that this joint approach has resulted in a significant drop in the movement of illicit funds used to bankroll terrorism within Nigeria.
Laka lauded the Joint Standard Investigation Committee on Terrorism Financing, calling its contribution “vital” to Nigeria’s capability in handling complex financial crime investigations and prosecutions.
He went on to share that the country recently undertook a simulation exercise aimed at evaluating Nigeria’s readiness for an imminent assessment by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The outcome of this evaluation will play a major role in determining whether Nigeria is removed from FATF’s “Grey List.”
“The outcome of this upcoming FATF mission will hinge on the robustness of our collective preparation. Success in this regard is critical for our removal from the FATF Grey List,” he said.
During the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, expressed optimism about the country’s progress in executing FATF’s action plan.
She mentioned that Nigeria has made noteworthy advancements on all 19 required action points, owing to a unified national effort by all stakeholders.
Bakari explained that the FATF’s on-site review presents a vital chance for Nigeria to demonstrate its technical improvements and sustained resolve in the fight against financial crimes.
She said, “The importance of this evaluation is reflected in the composition of the team. We are expecting 11 assessors who will be reviewing every aspect of our action plan.
“It’s significant that FATF has not always been able to assemble reviewer teams for some African countries. So their readiness to engage with Nigeria is a clear vote of confidence.”
Bakari also revealed that Nigeria has been invited to become a guest member of the FATF, a move she described as recognition of the country’s leadership both regionally and globally in counter-financial crime efforts.
“This means Nigeria will now participate in FATF discussions and projects under our own flag,” she said.
“Though guest membership isn’t full membership yet, it’s an important milestone. It reaffirms that we’re making the right progress and getting closer to earning our rightful place at the global decision-making table.”
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Chronicles Reporters