Blocking financial links of terrorists, central to our efforts – Anti-Terror Boss

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Laka has said that disrupting financial lifelines that enable terrorist groups to plan, recruit, and operate was central to their counter terrorism efforts.

In a press statement released in Abuja Tuesday by Head of Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA, Abu I. Michael, it noted that Gen. Laka, made the revelation at the opening session of a Pre-Mock Onsite Assessment Workshop at the NCTC complex in Abuja, saying that, “Disrupting the financial lifelines that enable terrorist groups to plan, recruit, and operate is central to our counter terrorism efforts”.

Gen. Laka said it was the reason behind sustaining a strong partnership with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and other critical stakeholders.

He commended the vital role of the Joint Standing Committee on Terrorism Financing, and also appreciated the continued support of the United States Department of the Treasury in enhancing Nigeria’s investigative and prosecutorial capacities.

The counter terrorism boss noted that the country has recorded commendable progress under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – International Cooperation Review Group Action Plan, especially within the areas of technical compliance, operational effectiveness, and multiagency coordination.

Gen. Laka maintained that the efforts have been recognised during a face-to-face engagement in Dar es Salaam in April, this year, after the presentation of Nigeria’s Sixth Progress Report.

He further praised the NFIU for its outstanding leadership in piloting the FATF process and providing the technical backbone to the country’s efforts. He likewise acknowledged the contributions of various MDAs and private sector stakeholders that advanced the implementation of major reforms under the Action Plan.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hajiya Hafsat Bakari expressed delight over the excellent work done through the NCTC and NFIU, including other stakeholders which resulted to the invitation of Nigeria by the regional and global leadership, the FATF to its Guest Member Initiative.

She explained that it qualified Nigeria to participate under her own flag in the discussions and projects by next year.

According to her, “The rapid progress we have made since February 2023 to complete all 19 items on our action plan has been the result of a collective national effort.

“From the leadership provided by the heads of all agencies involved, to the technical teams who have implemented an extensive and exhaustive reform programme, you have my utmost gratitude and respect.

“While this does not mean we are a full member, it is nonetheless a further step on our journey to having a seat at the table and a reaffirmation that we are on the right track”, she emphasized.

She thanked the National Security Adviser, Attorney General of the Federation, Minister of Justice, and his counterparts for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Interior, other members of the Federal Executive Council, the Judiciary and National Assembly for their invaluable support that has advanced Nigeria towards exiting the grey-list.

The NFIU CEO disclosed that the country would host 11 reviewers covering all the immediate outcomes in the country’s action plan as an expression of the confidence reposed in Nigeria.