The Nigerian government has revealed it has successfully prosecuted over 730 terrorism-linked cases, resulting in more than 90 convictions—a development it describes as a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against terrorism and illicit financial flows.
Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), made this known during an on-site meeting with a delegation from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Abuja.
Laka emphasized that a critical aspect of Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework is the disruption of financial networks that fund terrorist activities. He noted that the convictions were made possible through strategic intelligence collaboration, particularly with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
“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 the NFIU,” Laka stated.
He also praised the role of the Joint Standard Investigation Committee on Terrorism Financing, calling it vital to the country’s capability to investigate and dismantle complex financial crimes.
Laka further disclosed that a recent simulation exercise had been conducted to assess Nigeria’s readiness for a critical FATF evaluation that could pave the way for the country’s removal from the FATF “Grey List,” a designation for countries with strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regimes.
Speaking at the same event, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to meet FATF’s 19-point action plan. She noted that Nigeria has made significant progress due to strong inter-agency cooperation.
“The upcoming assessment is a major opportunity for Nigeria to showcase our technical capacity and long-term commitment to combating financial crimes,” she said.
Bakari also disclosed that 11 reviewers will be visiting Nigeria for the FATF evaluation—an indication of growing international confidence in the country’s reforms. She added that Nigeria has been invited to join FATF as a guest member, which allows participation in discussions and initiatives under the Nigerian flag.
“While guest membership is not full membership, it marks a significant step forward in our journey toward full inclusion and demonstrates global recognition of the progress we’ve made,” she said.
The government’s update comes at a time when Nigeria is under increasing pressure to stem the flow of illicit funds and strengthen its internal security architecture amid rising global concern over terrorism financing in West Africa.
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