Military Vows to Expose Sponsors of Terrorism in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has revealed that the process of identifying and prosecuting terrorism financiers in the country is underway, with announcements expected soon.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels TV programme, on Thursday night, General Musa explained that delays in naming the financiers were due to legal complexities and international financial links.

Tracking Terrorism Financing

“We know them. Some of the funds come from outside Nigeria, and we cannot act unilaterally. Locally, financiers often employ individuals, give them motorcycles, and direct them to remit money daily into certain accounts. These transactions are being tracked,” he said.

The Defence Chief stressed that the authorities are committed to monitoring money circulation and exposing the networks sustaining terrorism and banditry.

Applauding NFIU’s Role

General Musa praised the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for its efforts in unearthing financial connections tied to terrorism.

“The NFIU has been doing a lot, following both intelligence and financial trails. Arrests have been made, and I can assure you that the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Security Adviser, and other key institutions are working to ensure these financiers are exposed and prosecuted,” he said.

He added that the State Security Services (SSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other security agencies are also investigating political actors allegedly funding insecurity for personal gain.

“Criminal groups—bandits and terrorists—synergise because they share a common goal: to make money and destabilise communities,” he noted.

Terrorism in Nigeria

Nigeria continues to face terrorism across multiple regions. The North-east remains the epicenter of Boko Haram attacks, which have claimed thousands of lives and displaced entire communities. Meanwhile, the North-west, particularly Zamfara State, struggles with persistent banditry, kidnappings, and violent raids on rural settlements.

General Musa assured Nigerians that “work is in progress” and pledged that financiers of terrorism—whether domestic or international—will soon be named and held accountable.