FG names 48 suspected terror financiers, orders  asset freeze

The federal government has intensified its crackdown on terrorism financing with the release of a list of 48 individuals and entities allegedly linked to funding extremist activities across the country.

This development was described as a decisive step to disrupt financial networks sustaining insurgency.

The list was published by the Nigerian Sanctions Committee (NigSac) in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) as part of coordinated national efforts to identify, track, and sanction people and organisations connected to terrorism-related activities.

In a directive accompanying the publication, the government ordered all financial institutions across the country to immediately freeze accounts linked to the named individuals and entities.

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Banks and other financial operators were also instructed to flag and report any suspicious transactions associated with those listed to the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Officials disclosed that several individuals and organisations are allegedly affiliated with outlawed groups, such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ansaru, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), among other extremist networks.

The updated sanctions list, compiled over multiple dates between March 2024 and March 2025, includes Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Abdurrahman Abdurrahman, Fatima Ishaq, Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkareem Musa and Umar Abdullahi. Others named are Abdurrahman Ado, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu, Surajo Muhammad, Fannami Bukar and Muhammed Musa.

The list also features Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (Ansaru), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Yan Group and Yan Group NLBDG. Further entries include Adamu Hassan, Hassan Mohammed, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu and Rabiu Suleiman.

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Additional individuals identified are Simon Njoku, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmadubuachi, John Onwumere and Chikwuka Eze, as well as Edwin Chukwuedo. Others listed are Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie and Ogumu Kewe, alongside Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali and Ohagwu Juliana.

The Federal Government said the sanctions are in line with the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which provides the legal framework for freezing assets, monitoring financial flows and dismantling support systems for terrorist operations.

Authorities stressed that the publication of the list is part of an ongoing process, noting that investigations into terrorism financing networks are still underway.

They warned that individuals found culpable under the law will be prosecuted, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening national security and curbing the flow of funds to extremist groups.