FG Uncovers 96 Boko Haram, ISWAP Financiers

President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has revealed that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered 96 financiers of terrorism in the country.

According to the government, it found the reported persons guilty of supporting dreaded Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Naija News reports that the development was made known on Thursday by the nation’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

The minister who spoke during a briefing on the anti-corruption fight of President Muhammadu Buhari said NFIU has unmasked 424 associates/supporters of the financiers about 123 companies and 33 bureaux de change linked with terrorism.

Mohammed further said the agency has identified 26 suspected bandits/kidnappers and seven co-conspirators.
The government said 45 of the suspects will soon face trial.

“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 bureaux de change, in addition to identifying 26 suspected bandits/kidnappers and seven co-conspirators”, the Minister said.

Mohammed explained further that 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 ₦3,909,707,678,112.43 in VAT and ₦3,737,918,335,785.82 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,” the statement added.

Speaking further on terrorism financing, Mohammed said NFIU had intelligence exchanges on Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping and others with 19 countries.

“During the same period, 2020-2021, the organization 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,” the statement noted.

According to Mohammed, President Buhari’s Whistle-Blower policy has led to the recovery of N700 billion

Naija News understands that the whistle-blower policy is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

The policy is targeted at encouraging the voluntary disclosure of information about fraud, bribery and looted government funds, including financial misconduct and any other form of corruption or theft.

”The Whistle Blower whose information leads to recovery is entitled to 2.5 to 5% from the recovered funds. Information and tips received are usually referred to the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU for further painstaking investigation. The policy has helped in the cleansing of IPPIS, led to compliance on TSA and enhanced the Procurement Act 2007.

“As at 2020, a total sum of N700 billion has been recovered through the Whistle-Blower Policy,” the minister added in his report.