NSC updates terrorism financiers list to 48

By Ejire Folakunmi

The Nigeria Sanctions Committee has expanded its official roster of terrorism financiers, bringing the total number of designated individuals and groups to 48 under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

This updated list, which covers designations made between March 2024 and March 2025, reflects a intensified effort by the federal government to align with United Nations resolutions aimed at freezing assets and dismantling the funding networks of extremist organizations.

High-profile names on the list include Tukur Mamu, a publisher previously linked to the 2022 Kaduna train attack, alongside several northern individuals such as Abdulsamat Ohida. The designations also target major jihadist outfits, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Ansaru, and various Boko Haram affiliates.

Beyond religious extremism, the list includes separatist organizations and their affiliates, such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and newer entries like Simon Njoku.

The primary objective of these designations is to cut off the financial lifelines of both recognized terrorist groups and the "bandits" responsible for mass kidnappings across the country. By formalizing these names, the Sanctions Committee mandates that all financial institutions within Nigeria immediately freeze assets associated with these entities.

Banks and other financial providers face severe penalties for non-compliance, as the government seeks to enforce a "zero-tolerance" policy regarding the movement of illicit funds.

Online reactions to the updated list have been significant, with public discourse often dividing along ethnic and regional lines. Many observers have noted the inclusion of high-profile Igbo names and the continued designation of IPOB, while others have questioned the effectiveness of the list without a corresponding increase in physical arrests and successful prosecutions.

Despite the skepticism, the federal government maintains that identifying these financiers is a critical first step in restoring national security and discouraging future investment in domestic terrorism.