Nigerian Government Reveals Sponsors Of Terrorism
The Nigerian Government has revealed that 48 individuals and groups have been placed on its sanctions list over allegations linked to terrorism financing and related support activities.
The updated list was published on Saturday by the country’s sanctions committee and includes both individuals and organisations said to have connections with extremist networks operating in Nigeria and parts of West Africa.
Among those named is Abdulsamat Ohida, described as a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Okene.
Authorities linked him to the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in June 2022, as well as the assault on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja the following month.
Another person listed is Mohammed Sani, said to be part of Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam (ANSARU), a group associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. He was described as having been trained under a known militant figure and involved in handling communications and explosive-related tasks.
He was also said to have served as a guide and courier for extremist operatives in parts of North and West Africa and reportedly escaped during the Kuje prison break.
The government also named Abdurrahman Abdurrahman, identified as a senior ISWAP commander in Okene. Officials said the group has operated since 2012 and has been linked to attacks in several parts of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory and the South-West.
Fatima Ishaq was also listed for allegedly acting as a financial courier for ISWAP in Okene, moving funds meant for families of fighters.
Tukur Mamu was accused of involvement in terrorism financing through his role in handling ransom payments linked to the Abuja-Kaduna train kidnapping case.
Authorities said he received and delivered over 200,000 dollars meant for the release of hostages.
Yusuf Ghazali and several others were also accused of moving large sums of money between individuals already convicted for terrorism-related offences.
Abubakar Adamu, also known as Yellow, was said to have received large transfers linked to the network between 2016 and 2018.
Officials also pointed to financial links traced through local and foreign channels, including cases involving alleged transfers from Dubai to Nigeria through connected entities.
The individuals listed include Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Abdurrahaman Abdurrahman, Fatima Ishaq, Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, 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, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Adamu Hassan, Hassan Mohammed, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleiman, Simon Njoku, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmadubuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, and Ogumu Kewe, while the entities and groups listed include Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (ANSARU), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Yan Group, and Yan Group NLBDG.
