FG Unveils 15 Suspected Terror-Financiers as Crackdown on Illicit Networks Deepens
The Federal Government has released a fresh list of 15 individuals and business entities accused of financing terrorism across the country, in what officials describe as a major step in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism drive.
The list—comprising nine persons and six companies—emerged from an extensive multi-agency intelligence review tracking financial flows, cross-border transactions and logistics channels allegedly linked to extremist groups.
According to government sources, the intelligence effort involved “months of meticulous financial surveillance,” with teams analysing unusual cash movements, monitoring communication patterns and working with international partners to trace suspicious networks.
Those named by the government include Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana-Oyiza Isah, Abdulkareem Musa and Umar Abdullahi.
Also listed are several companies—many operating as Bureau De Change outfits and general trading firms—suspected of facilitating transactions connected to terror-funding channels. They include West & East Africa General Trading Company Limited, Settings Bureau De Change Ltd, G. Side General Enterprises, Desert Exchange Ventures Ltd, Eagle Square General Trading Company Limited, and Alfa Exchange BDC.
Officials say the move forms part of a broader national effort to tighten financial regulations, monitor high-risk currency-exchange activities and support ongoing military operations in terrorism-affected regions.
The government hinted that the latest announcement represents only the first phase, noting that additional names are under review and may be added to the sanctions list in the coming months.
Beyond public disclosure, agencies have been directed to enforce appropriate restrictions, including freezing accounts and tracking further financial movements linked to the identified individuals and firms.
The development also aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed scrutiny of Bureau De Change operators nationwide, following investigations that exposed how loosely regulated currency-trading systems have served as conduits for illicit financing.
Authorities say the latest measures underscore a broader determination to close all financial pipelines suspected of sustaining terrorist activities in Nigeria.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
