• NFIU seeks support to end financial crimes in Nigeria
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Government has prosecuted and convicted more than 100 individuals involved in financing terrorism over the past two years.
President Bola Tinubu made the disclosure at the opening of the National Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Summit in Abuja, yesterday.
The president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, credited the achievement to efforts of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney-General of the Federation and emphasised government’s approach of targeting the financial support systems of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.
He said: “By taking away the funds and resources behind these groups, we are denying them the ability to terrorise our communities. This approach aligns with global best practices in combating serious crime.”
He said the administration’s anti-crime initiatives encompass more than just the fight against terrorism financing. Key strategies, including the National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Strategy, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the National Drug Control Master Plan, were effectively dismantling criminal financial networks.
Tinubu emphasised that the efforts were designed to tackle crimes that undermined Nigeria’s global reputation and restrict citizens’ ability to engage in international business.
He said his administration also made substantial investments in