The Federal Government has announced that more than 730 people have been found guilty of crimes connected to terrorism as part of its stepped-up efforts to stop the funding of terrorists and break up illegal financial networks.
This was revealed by Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, during the Financial Action Task Force’s on-site meeting in Abuja on Monday.
He said that the Nigerian Money Intelligence Unit directly assisted in over 90 of the convictions, demonstrating the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in identifying and dismantling money networks that help terrorist organisations.
He said, “Disrupting the financial lifelines of terrorist organisations is central to our national counterterrorism strategy.
“We remain firmly committed to this cause and deeply value our ongoing partnership with both domestic and international stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Treasury.
“Our ability to prosecute over 730 terrorism-linked cases is a testament to the effectiveness of our coordinated national approach. More than 90 convictions were secured with support from NFIU. ”
He claimed that the NFIU’s and other pertinent agencies’ joint actions have greatly decreased the amount of illegal money flowing into terror operations nationwide.
The Joint Standard Investigation Committee on Terrorism Financing was also praised by the NCTC coordinator, who said that the committee’s efforts are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s ability to look into and prosecute sophisticated financial crimes.
According to Laka, the purpose of the simulated exercise was to assess Nigeria’s institutional readiness and coordinate plans in front of the FATF assessment, which would decide whether Nigeria is removed off the organization’s Grey List.
“The strength of our collective preparation will determine the success of the upcoming FATF visit and, ultimately, Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List,” he said.
Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, the Chief Executive Officer of NFIU, stated in her remarks that via a joint national effort, remarkable progress had been achieved towards fulfilling all 19 action items on their action plans.
The on-site exercise, according to Bakari, was a chance for them to show the advancements achieved and the ongoing dedication to a successful national FATF framework.
She claims that Nigeria is the focus of the international FATF network, and they have great aspirations for the country.
“The importance of this assessment is underscored by the size of the team coming to Nigeria. We will be hosting 11 reviewers covering all the immediate outcomes in our action plan.
“And considering the difficulty the FATF has previously had in finding reviewers to come to some of the countries in Africa, this is indeed quite a sign of confidence in Nigeria.
“I’m also delighted to inform you that, as a recognition of the excellent work we have all done and our regional and global leadership, the FATF has invited Nigeria to join its guest member.
“This essentially means that Nigeria will participate under our own flag in the discussions and projects of the FATF.
“While this does not mean by a full member, it is nonetheless a further step on our journey to having a seat at the table and reaffirmation that we are on the right track,” she said
