Security agencies summon terror financing suspects, freeze assets

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Security agencies have commenced investigations into six individuals and three Bureau de Change (BDC) companies recently designated by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) for alleged terrorism financing, with the suspects invited for questioning as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist financing networks.

The agencies also directed all financial institutions and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to immediately identify and freeze funds, assets and economic resources linked to the designated persons and entities in accordance with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The disclosure was made on Thursday during a joint media briefing by spokespersons of security, defence and law enforcement agencies in Abuja.

An official of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mr Kingsley Amaku, said the Nigeria Sanctions Committee designated the six individuals and three companies on June 18 over their alleged involvement in financing the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and affiliated terrorist networks.

The individuals are Muktar Muhammad Adamu, Ibrahim Yakubu Ogirima, Adamu Chiroma, Ibrahim Abubakar, Abdullahi Umar Usman and Babangida Muhammed Adamu Hammajam, while the companies are Abbal Bako & Sons Bureau De Change Limited, Generation Currency BDC Limited and Nine to Nine BDC Limited.

Amaku noted that Muktar Muhammad Adamu and two of his companies—Nine to Nine BDC Limited and Generation Currency BDC Limited—were also sanctioned by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

According to him, the designations followed extensive intelligence gathering, financial investigations and inter-agency assessments.

“Their designations by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee followed extensive intelligence gathering, financial investigations and inter-agency assessments which established reasonable grounds to suspect their involvement in financing, facilitating or supporting terrorist activities,” he said.

He explained that the action reflects growing collaboration between Nigeria and international partners in combating terrorism financing.

FG secures 1,721 terrorism convictions

The Department of State Services (DSS) disclosed that the Federal Government has secured 1,721 convictions for terrorism-related offences through its Mass Trial Programme since its inception in 2017.

According to the Service, the programme, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, security agencies and international partners, has also resulted in the discharge or acquittal of suspects where evidence was insufficient.

The DSS said the most significant progress came in 2026, with 865 convictions recorded during Phases Nine and Ten of the programme conducted at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

DSS records major operational gains

The Service said coordinated operations between January and June 2026 led to the rescue of more than 200 kidnap victims, the recovery of over 13,500 rounds of ammunition, dozens of rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns and locally fabricated firearms.

It also disclosed that several high-profile convictions were secured during the period, including death sentences and lengthy prison terms for individuals convicted of terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and related offences across various states.

Military rescues 1,516 victims, neutralises 1,597 terrorists

The Armed Forces said troops conducted 14,221 operations nationwide within the first six months of 2026.

According to the military, the operations resulted in the rescue of 1,516 kidnapped victims and hostages, while 1,597 terrorists and insurgents were neutralised.

Troops also recovered 451 firearms, 16,726 rounds of ammunition and 161 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), while carrying out operations across all six geopolitical zones.

The military added that 412 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters were killed, 332 terrorists arrested, 261 kidnap victims rescued from terrorist enclaves and 132 insurgents surrendered during the period.

Customs generates ₦3.35tn, intercepts illicit funds

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it generated ₦3.35 trillion in revenue between January and May 2026 while processing 698,817 Single Goods Declarations and 112,202 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports.

The Service also reported exports valued at $1.218 billion and recorded 122 illicit drug seizures involving 375,457 units with a Duty Paid Value of ₦24.33 billion.

Customs further disclosed that it intercepted about $789,550 in undeclared and falsely declared foreign currencies in six separate anti-money laundering operations.

The Service also recorded 17 endangered wildlife trafficking cases involving 104 live animals and 21 wildlife species and products.

EFCC secures 915 convictions

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it secured 915 convictions between January and April 2026 in cases involving economic and financial crimes.

Among those convicted were former NEXIM Bank Managing Director Robert Orya, former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman, former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku and former Senator Albert Bassey.

The Commission said the convictions demonstrate its commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption.

Police arrest suspects, dismantle criminal syndicates

The Nigeria Police Force said it recorded major operational successes between January and June 2026 through intelligence-led policing.

According to the Force, operations led to the arrest of thousands of suspects, rescue of numerous kidnap victims and recovery of firearms and ammunition across the country.

Police also dismantled criminal syndicates involved in terrorism, kidnapping, arms trafficking and railway vandalism, while strengthening border security through collaboration with the military and INTERPOL.

The Force added that intelligence-driven operations disrupted criminal networks operating across several states and enhanced protection of critical national infrastructure.

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