The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has revealed how terrorist groups in the country are funded through various means like crowdfunding, online transactions, and betting platforms.
In a newsletter, the NFIU stated that it has identified a network of affiliates of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across 22 countries through a report it received. The report exposed 27 entities registered globally under IPOB’s name, with the highest numbers in the US and UK.
One major source of revenue for IPOB is crowdfunding by individuals abroad, mostly Nigerians. The analysis showed over $160,000 was disbursed to media and broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the UK. The NFIU profiled IPOB’s leader, his addresses, mobile numbers abroad and 53 other associated individuals.
The report has been forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. This comes after the federal government recently released a list of 15 entities, including individuals and bureau de change operators, suspected of involvement in terrorism financing in Nigeria. The Defence Headquarters also declared 97 suspected terrorists wanted.
NIGERIA RELEASES TYPOLOGIES REPORT ON TERRORISM FINANCING -Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit