As Nigeria’s security forces grappled with task of confronting terrorism, investigating, and prosecuting the financiers of terror is critical for lasting peace to be achieved. This was the position canvassed by the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Aliyu Musa Adamu (SAN) as he vowed that the Commission would take action to curb terrorism financing in Nigeria. Dr. Aliyu stressed these points in the goodwill message he delivered at a multistakeholder town hall meeting on preventing terrorism financing and violent extremism in Nigeria’s Northeast. The town hall meeting was convened by frontline civil society organization, the Civil Society Legislative Action Centre (CISLAC).
According to the ICPC helmsman, violent attacks, and campaigns of terror in Northeast started in 2009. He lamented that almost 15 years later, the region is yet to recover. The ugly situation, he noted has led to thousands losing their lives and properties worth billions destroyed, just as he observed that millions have been displaced from their ancestral homes. Dr. Aliyu similarly bemoaned that terrorism in Nigeria’s Northeast has made millions of children to be taken out of school, while poverty and malnutrition have worsened.
His words: “The devastation caused by this campaign of terror cannot be easily quantified. The overall impact of terrorism has been profound. The process of rebuilding shattered communities and restoring stability will come at a cost but it is a task that must be done. But how did this start and how were these violent acts sustained over the years?
“The answers to these important questions are necessary if we are determined to dismantle the sophisticated networks that manage the illicit financial flows that facilitate the purchase of arms, the recruitment of terrorists, operational logistics, etc. that help to sustain the reign of terror. Tackling this intricate problem of terrorism financing is essential, as it is fundamental to crippling the operational capabilities of extremist groups and restoring peace and security to the region. To this end, this meeting could not have come at a better time.”
On the other root causes of terrorism, the anti-graft agency head said poverty and illiteracy have been identified as some of the main causes of terrorism in Nigeria. These twin ills, he advocated must be tackled effectively to stop extremism and violent dissent. Dr. Aliyu subsequently identified bad governance and corruption, as evils, which have a direct relation with the prevalence of poverty and illiteracy.
“The ICPC therefore has an active role to play in the prevention and elimination of these vices that create the conditions that allow extremism and terrorism to take root in the society. ICPC is fully committed to contributing its expertise and resources to this fight. We are prepared to intensify our efforts in financial oversight, enhance our investigative and prosecutorial capacities, and work closely with all stakeholders to disrupt the financial networks that fuel terrorism.”
The ICPC helmsman said the Commission’s approach encompasses rigorous enforcement and preventive measures, which he explained are aimed at fostering economic and social development.
“Through community engagement, educational initiatives, and support for economic empowerment, we aim to address the root causes of extremism, building a resilient foundation for our future. The collaboration of every sector represented here is crucial. By combining our strengths, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing regulatory frameworks, we can sever the lifelines that enable terrorism. Your dedication and relentless efforts in law enforcement, civic engagement, and legislative governance are vital to our collective success,” he said.
