Nigeria's Historic Move Against Terrorism Financing
In a significant development for national security, the Federal Government of Nigeria publicly identified 21 individuals and six Bureau de Change operations as terrorism financiers in 2024. This landmark disclosure came through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee website, marking a pivotal moment in the country's counter-terrorism efforts.
The publication followed years of mounting pressure from security experts, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens demanding greater transparency in Nigeria's fight against terrorism. The list has recently regained public attention in 2025 as global concerns about Nigeria's security situation intensify, particularly after remarks from US President Donald Trump.
Key Individuals and Entities Named
Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher, headed the list of designated individuals. He is currently facing trial for allegedly facilitating terrorists involved in the devastating 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack. According to official government statements, Mamu participated in terrorism financing by receiving and delivering ransom payments exceeding $200,000 to support ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages from the train incident.
The comprehensive list included several high-profile individuals with alleged connections to terrorist organizations:
- Abdulsamat Ohida - Senior ISWAP commander suspected in attacks in Owo and Kuje
- Mohammed Sani - ANSARU member linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
- Fatima Ishaq - Financial courier for ISWAP Okene, distributing funds to fighters' widows
- Yusuf Ghazali - Business owner implicated in UAE court for terrorist fund transfers
- Muhammad Sani - Allegedly received N57 million from Yawale Muhammad between 2014-2017
The complete roster of 21 individuals also included Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, Umar Abdullahi, Abdurrahaman Ado, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu, Surajo Mohammad, Fannami Bukar, and Muhammed Musa.
Bureau de Change Entities Implicated
Six Bureau de Change operations faced designation for their alleged roles in terrorism financing networks:
- West And East Africa General Trading Co. Ltd
- Settings Bureau De Change Ltd
- G. Side General Enterprises
- Desert Exchange Ventures Limited
- Eagle Square General Trading Co Ltd
- Alfa Exchange BDC
These entities were identified as crucial components in the financial infrastructure supporting terrorist activities across Nigeria.
Global Context and Lasting Impact
The 2024 publication represented a major breakthrough in Nigeria's counter-terrorism strategy, addressing long-standing demands for accountability in combating extremist financing. Security analysts emphasized that identifying and publicizing financiers is essential for dismantling the financial networks that sustain terrorist organizations like ISWAP and ANSARU.
The timing of this list's resurgence in public discourse coincides with increased international scrutiny of Nigeria's security challenges. President Trump's recent expressions of concern about rising insecurity in West Africa have brought renewed attention to Nigeria's ongoing battle against terrorism financing.
This development echoes earlier international actions, including the United States government's March 2022 sanctions against six Nigerian nationals convicted of financing Boko Haram while residing in the United Arab Emirates. The continued focus on terrorism financing networks underscores the global nature of the threat and the importance of coordinated international response efforts.
