FG reveals major source of funding for terrorism
The Federal Government has raised fresh concern over the rise of kidnapping, stating that the crime has grown into a major funding source for criminal and terror groups across the country.
The warning was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, during a stakeholders’ workshop of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.
The government explained that ransom payments have helped armed groups buy weapons, run their activities, and in some areas, attempt to control communities.
Laka said that Nigeria continues to face different forms of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, separatist attacks, and clashes between farmers and herders.
He said kidnapping has become a common tool used by these groups to fund operations, move supplies, and threaten communities.
He recalled that the rising concerns, both in Nigeria and abroad, led to stronger cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which later produced the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.
The Cell was commissioned by the National Security Adviser on December 19, 2024, to coordinate counterterrorism and anti-kidnap work across the country and also strengthen Nigeria’s role in regional security efforts.
According to him, the Cell has since brought the Armed Forces, intelligence units, and law enforcement agencies together to stop planned kidnappings and rescue victims.
Analysts working in the unit have also produced intelligence used to free hostages and break kidnap rings in different parts of the country.
To improve collaboration between federal and state authorities, Laka said the NCTC carried out an expansion programme in July 2025 for Anti-Kidnap Commanders of the Police and Department of State Services in all states and the FCT.
He added that the fight against kidnapping needs broader involvement, calling for the inclusion of the media, telecom operators, and social media companies.
He urged participants at the workshop to present workable ideas that can help rescue victims, weaken kidnapping groups, and protect communities, while keeping close contact with the Fusion Cell.
At the event, the Acting British High Commissioner, Gill Lever, commended the progress made by the Kidnap Fusion Cell and restated the UK’s support for Nigeria’s efforts against terrorism and kidnapping.
The Head of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, also urged stronger cooperation, noting that every citizen has a role to play in reducing kidnapping across the country.
