BREAKING: FG Uncovers 96 Boko Haram/ISWAP Sponsors, 123 Companies Linked to Terrorism

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has announced 96 financiers of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and those backing them.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed disclosed at a briefing on the anti-corruption fight of President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday that  NFIU has unmasked 424 associates/supporters of the financiers, about 123 companies and 33 bureau de change linked with terrorism.

He added that the agency has identified 26 suspected bandits/kidnappers and seven co-conspirators.

According to Mohammed, 45 of the suspects will soon face trial.

He said: “For its part, the analysis by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), in 2020-2021, revealed 96 financiers of terrorism in Nigeria, 424 associates/supporters of the financiers, involvement of about 123 companies and 33 bureau de change, in addition to identifying 26 suspected bandits/kidnappers and seven 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 organisation 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.”

Mohammed added that the President Buhari’s Whistle-Blower policy has led to the recovery of N700 billion.