President Bola Tinubu has announced that his administration has intensified efforts to disrupt the financial networks supporting terrorist groups in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Financing of Terrorism, and Proliferation Summit held in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu disclosed that over 100 individuals involved in financing terrorism have been prosecuted and convicted over the past two years.
The president, represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, explained that this strategy aims to weaken terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP by cutting off their financial and material resources.
Tinubu noted, “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. “.
The administration has also stressed the critical role of legal and financial professionals in safeguarding the nation’s wealth.
Tinubu said, “Our banks, capital market firms, lawyers, and accountants are the first line of defence in our joint effort to protect our commonwealth.” He urged the private sector to remain vigilant and collaborative in combating financial crimes.
Despite progress, the president expressed concern about Nigeria’s greylisting in February 2023, which has affected the country’s economy and reputation. Tinubu called for collective efforts to address the deficiencies identified in Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework.
