President Bola Tinubu has shared that Nigeria has successfully prosecuted over 100 terrorist financiers in the past two years as part of its ongoing fight against financial crimes and terrorism financing.
Tinubu made this known while speaking at the opening of the 2025 National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF) Summit in Abuja on Tuesday.
However, the President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, did not disclose names of any of the convicted financiers, noting that the strategy was meant to prevent the terrorists from terrorizing the citizens.
He said: “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.
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“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.“
Tinubu stated further that his administration acknowledged the roles of lawyers and accountants in the effort to protect the nation’s commonwealth.
He said, “This Administration also recognises the important role played by the private sector in our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing framework.
“As the gatekeepers, our banks, capital market firms, lawyers and accountants are the first line of defence in our joint effort to protect our commonwealth.“
Hafsat Bakari, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, who also spoke at the summit, highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including political leaders, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and international partners.
“The fight against financial crimes is not one that any single entity can win alone. It requires the collective strength and commitment of our political leaders, regulators, financial institutions, law enforcement and security agencies, and international partners.
“Collaboration must be at the heart of our approach if we are to succeed in mitigating risks and safeguarding our financial system,” Bakari stressed