Nigeria Reiterates Commitment to Combating Terrorism Financing

Strategic Insights -

Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to disrupting the financial lifelines of terrorist organizations and combating illicit financial flows, posing a threat to national and regional security. At an on-site meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), highlighted Nigeria's progress under the FATF International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) Action Plan. The country has recorded significant success in combating terrorism, with over 730 terrorism-related cases successfully prosecuted, and more than 90 directly supported by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigeria has made significant progress in technical compliance, operational effectiveness, and inter-agency collaboration under the FATF ICRG Action Plan.
  • Coordinated national efforts have led to the successful prosecution of over 730 terrorism-related cases, with more than 90 directly supported by the NFIU.
  • The collaboration between the NFIU and other agencies has significantly curtailed the flow of illicit funds to terrorist networks.
  • Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka praised the work of the Joint Standard Investigation Committee on Terrorism Financing, whose contributions have been pivotal in enhancing Nigeria's capacity to investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes.
  • The on-site exercise provided a critical opportunity to evaluate Nigeria's readiness and strengthen inter-agency coordination against money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • The strength of Nigeria's collective preparation will determine the success of the upcoming FATF visit and, ultimately, its removal from the FATF Grey List.
  • Nigeria has made impressive progress towards completing all 19 action items on its action plan through collective national effort.
  • The FATF has invited Nigeria to join its guest membership, a recognition of Nigeria's leadership and commitment to combating terrorism financing.

Statistics:

  • Over 730 terrorism-related cases have been successfully prosecuted in Nigeria.
  • More than 90 terrorism-related cases have been directly supported by the NFIU.
  • Nigeria has completed 19 action items on its action plan under the FATF ICRG Action Plan.
  • 11 reviewers from the FATF will conduct the assessment in Nigeria.
  • The FATF has scheduled a team of 11 reviewers to assess Nigeria's progress in combating terrorism financing.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on 21 July 2025
  • (Government sources cited in the original text; excerpted verbatim)