The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, on Monday, 21, 2025, revealed that over 730 individuals have been convicted for terrorism-related offences, as part of its intensified efforts to combat terrorism financing and dismantle illicit financial networks.
Laka said more than 90 of the convictions were secured with direct support from the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, underscoring the success of inter-agency collaboration in tracking and disrupting financial networks that support terrorist groups.
His words, “Disrupting the financial lifelines of terrorist organisations is central to our national counterterrorism strategy. We remain firmly committed to this cause and deeply value our ongoing partnership with both domestic and international stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Treasury. Our ability to prosecute over 730 terrorism-linked cases is a testament to the effectiveness of our coordinated national approach. More than 90 convictions were secured with support from NFIU.”
Praising the collaborative efforts between the NFIU and other relevant agencies, which has significantly reduced the inflow of illicit funds into terror operations across the country, the NCTC coordinator also commended the Joint Standard Investigation Committee on Terrorism Financing, describing its work as pivotal to enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes.
According to him, “The strength of our collective preparation will determine the success of the upcoming FATF visit and, ultimately, Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List.”
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of NFIU, Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, said that impressive progress had been made towards completing all 19 action items on their action plans through collective national effort.
Noting that the eyes of the global FATF network are on Nigeria and the expectations are very high, she stated, “The importance of this assessment is underscored by the size of the team coming to Nigeria. We will be hosting 11 reviewers covering all the immediate outcomes in our action plan. And considering the difficulty the FATF has previously had in finding reviewers to come to some of the countries in Africa, this is indeed quite a sign of confidence in Nigeria.”
“I’m also delighted to inform you that, as a recognition of the excellent work we have all done and our regional and global leadership, the FATF has invited Nigeria to join its guest member. This essentially means that Nigeria will participate under our own flag in the discussions and projects of the FATF.
“While this does not mean by a full member, it is nonetheless a further step on our journey to having a seat at the table and reaffirmation that we are on the right track,” she added.
