KEY POINTS
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Nigeria secured 90 terrorism-related convictions out of over 730 prosecuted cases, marking significant progress in counterterrorism efforts.
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The country is preparing for a crucial FATF on-site evaluation as it seeks removal from the agency’s Grey List.
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Officials credit inter-agency coordination and financial intelligence reforms for the milestone, while warning that sustained vigilance is needed.
The Nigerian government has announced that it has successfully secured 90 convictions from over 730 prosecuted extremism cases, a significant milestone in its continuing campaign to dismantle violent terrorist networks and their financial lifelines.
This development was disclosed by Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), during a strategic session with officials from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Abuja on Monday. He emphasized the country’s efforts to strengthen counterterrorism measures through inter-agency cooperation and financial intelligence.
“Our ability to prosecute over 730 terrorism-linked cases is a testament to the effectiveness of our coordinated national approach,” Laka said. “More than 90 convictions were secured with support from the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).”
He stressed that beyond the courtroom victories, the real battleground is the financial networks sustaining terrorist activities. The convictions reflect the broader success of Nigeria’s integrated approach involving military intelligence, legal enforcement, and financial monitoring.
FATF engagement raises stakes in Nigeria’s reform efforts
As part of the preparations for a critical FATF on-site evaluation, Nigeria recently conducted a national simulation exercise to assess the readiness of its institutions. The outcome of this assessment will significantly determine Nigeria’s chances of exiting the FATF “Grey List,” which flags countries with deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Laka credited the Joint Standard Investigation Committee on Terrorism Financing and other inter-agency task forces for their critical role in achieving the convictions, calling their cooperation “the backbone of Nigeria’s resilience against terrorism financing.”
Also speaking at the engagement was Hajiya Hafsat Bakari, the CEO of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), who reinforced the country’s commitment to compliance with global financial standards.
“The FATF has shown confidence in Nigeria by sending 11 reviewers for the on-site assessment,” Bakari noted. “This is a recognition of the excellent work we have all done.”
She explained that Nigeria had successfully addressed all 19 items in the FATF action plan through a unified national strategy, marking a decisive shift in the country’s international financial image.
“It’s a reaffirmation that we are on the right track,” she said, revealing that Nigeria had also been invited to join FATF as a guest member. Though not yet a full member, the invitation permits Nigeria to participate in global discussions under its national flag—an important diplomatic and institutional gesture of trust.
