FG says terrorism financing investigation requires careful intelligence work; prosecutions will start only when evidence is watertight, amid rising insecurity.
The federal government (FG) has clarified the reasons behind the delay in prosecuting individuals suspected of supporting terrorism, stressing that the terrorism financing investigation requires meticulous, highly sensitive intelligence work before any cases can be brought to court.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that rushing the process could compromise evidence and allow key suspects to evade justice.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Idris said public expectations for immediate arrests and trials overlook the complex nature of tracing financial networks that fund groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“This is not about whether names exist on a list,” he said. “The terrorism financing investigation demands detailed verification and judicial-proof evidence before anyone can be prosecuted.”
The FG has faced mounting pressure in recent years, especially after previous administrations identified several suspected financiers.
Yet, no prosecutions followed, prompting criticism that successive governments have been slow to dismantle the financial backbone of Nigeria’s insurgency.
Idris, however, insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fully committed.
Security operations since May 2023 have resulted in over 13,500 neutralised bandits and jihadists and more than 17,000 arrests, many of whom are already facing trial or have been convicted.
The minister also highlighted diplomatic efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s global partnerships and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
He confirmed that the FG is working with the United States and other countries to ensure the terrorism financing investigation aligns with international standards and improves cross-border surveillance of terror funds.
“We are open to any regional or global collaboration, American or otherwise, that can help end this crisis,” Idris said.
While investigations continue, insecurity remains a serious concern. Recent attacks have included the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State and 315 students and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, revealed that an additional 88 students were taken while trying to escape.
In response, the FG ordered the closure of 41 unity secondary schools nationwide to protect students from further attacks.
Idris stressed that the FG will not compromise the integrity of the terrorism financing investigation. Premature prosecutions could undermine the judicial process, he said.
The minister reaffirmed that once the investigation concludes and evidence is verified, the government will prosecute all individuals involved in terror financing.
As Nigeria continues to confront these challenges, the FG remains focused on both domestic and international strategies to dismantle terror funding networks.
The terrorism financing investigation underscores the government’s approach of balancing public accountability with the need for rigorous, legally sustainable action.
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