The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), yesterday revised its list of 48 individuals and organisations allegedly involved in financing terrorism across the country.
Among those listed are detained media publisher Tukur Mamu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (Ansaru), and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (Ansaru), and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been identified as key actors behind the protracted insurgency in northern Nigeria.
Tukur Mamu is alleged to have engaged in terrorism financing by handling ransom payments totaling over $200,000 on behalf of ISWAP militants for victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
The list also features Abdulsamat Ohida, described as a senior ISWAP commander based in Okene, Kogi State. Authorities connected Ohida to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, as well as the July 5, 2022 attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Another individual, Mohammed Sani, is identified as a member of Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam (ANSARU), a group with links to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
According to the federal government, Sani received training under Muktar Belmokhtar, also known as ‘One Eyed’, and is skilled in developing secret communication systems and improvised explosive devices.
He is further described as having served as a courier and guide for AQIM operatives operating within Algeria and Mali.
He reportedly escaped custody during the Kuje prison break in July 2022.
Abdurrahman Abdurrahman, another high-ranking ISWAP commander in Okene, was also included. The government stated that the group originated in 2012 as a North-Central faction of Boko Haram before aligning with ISWAP after the death of its leader in 2016.
The group has been associated with attacks around the Federal Capital Territory and parts of the South-West, including the Owo church incident.
Fatima Ishaq was named as a financial courier for ISWAP in Okene, allegedly responsible for distributing funds to widows and relatives of fighters.
Yusuf Ghazali was accused of transferring N20 million in 2015 to Surajo Abubakar Muhammad and N40 million to Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, both of whom have been convicted.
Authorities stated that Abubakar Adamu, also known as Yellow, received N189 million from Ghazali between 2016 and 2018 and maintained financial ties with the group’s leader, Alhaji Saidu Ahmed.
Ghazali was also linked to companies cited in a UAE court ruling as channels for moving terrorist funds from Dubai into Nigeria.
Usama Muhammad was listed as a key contact in Zamfara State, allegedly receiving N57 million from Yawale Muhammad between 2014 and 2017 and maintaining financial dealings with Surajo Abubakar Muhammad and Saidu Ahmed.
Other individuals named on the sanctions list include Abubakar Muhammad, Allamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, Umar Abdullahi, Abdurrahman Ado, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu, Surajo Mohammad, Fannami Bukar, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Adamu Hassan, and Hassan Mohammed.
Also listed are Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleiman, Simon Njoku, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chukwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, and Ogumu Kewe.
