President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration will leave no stone unturned in its bid to destroy funding networks of members of ISWAP, Boko Haram terrorists and other insurgent groups.
Tinubu specifically said the federal government under his leadership was already denying them the ability to inflict terror on communities and citizens across the country, adding that his administration won’t relent on that path.
He spoke through the Secretary to the Government of Federation, George Akume at Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday during the opening session of the 2025 National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF) Summit.
The summit, which was organised by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), had heads of EFCC, ICPC, police, Customs, Central Bank, Commercial, Microfinance and Mortgage Banks as well as other institutions in attendance.
Daily Trust reports that the country had in the past few weeks witnessed deadly attacks on military bases and civilian populations, raising concerns about the escalating security situation in the country.
No fewer than 40 farmers were killed earlier this month at Dumba in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State – the development many critical stakeholders in the country described as worrisome.
Speaking during the summit, Tinubu stressed that his administration was creating an environment which rural areas in the country would thrive once again.
He said his government had been targeting the financial backbone of terrorist groups in the country, adding that the determination made it possible for the government to secure conviction of over 100 terrorist financiers in the last two years.
Tinubu, who did not disclose names of any of the convicted financiers, stated that the strategy was meant to prevent the terrorists from terrorising the citizens while wreaking more havoc on the communities.
“We have made progress to tackle the threats of terrorism and other violent crimes through the gallant action of our frontline troops and our security agencies.
“However, in line with the National Counter-Terrorist Financing Strategy, we have also enhanced our abilities to identify and pursue those individuals that finance these violent acts.
“Through the efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation we have prosecuted and convicted over 100 terrorist financiers in the last two years.
“By taking away the funds, resources and material support behind Boko Haram and ISWAP we are denying them the ability to inflict terror on our communities and citizens. We are creating an environment in which our rural areas will thrive once again,” he said.
Tinubu also said his administration acknowledged the roles of lawyers and accountants in the effort to protect the nation’s commonwealth.
Earlier, the CEO of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Hafsat Bakari, stated that the fight against financial crimes is not one that any single entity can win alone.