05/12/2025
: 23 Suspected Terror Financiers Linked to Billions in Suspicious Transactions in Nigeria
has uncovered detailed intelligence on 23 individuals—20 Nigerians and three foreign nationals—suspected of funding and facilitating Boko Haram operations through multi-billion-naira financial networks across Nigeria and abroad.
According to internal documents, bank records, and references from UAE court judgments, the individuals are linked to convicted terrorists, arms dealers, and international money-transfer channels. Many of the Nigerian suspects were arrested in 2021 but were reportedly released under controversial circumstances.
KEY NIGERIAN SUSPECTS
1. Alhaji Saidu Ahmed
A Zaria businessman identified as a major Boko Haram financier. His accounts recorded N4.8bn inflows and repeated withdrawals tied to convicted funders mentioned in UAE court cases.
2. Usaini Adamu
Also known as Baba Hussaini, he operated 111 BVN-linked accounts with over N43bn inflows and N50bn outflows, allegedly used to support weapons procurement.
3. Muhammad Sani Adam
A forex and precious-stone trader with 41 accounts showing over N54bn in inflows and N54.4bn in outflows, largely linked to known convicts.
4. Abubakar Adamu Yellow
A Kano businessman with 42 accounts and transactions totaling over N61bn, including transfers to associates of Alhaji Saidu.
5. Murtala Abdullahi Jega
A BDC operator controlling 94 accounts. He received funds from convicted Boko Haram funders and transferred money to companies allegedly involved in weapons supplies.
6. Sadiq Garba Abubakar
A trader in Kano and Abuja with 30 accounts, responsible for transferring over N1.65bn to convicted financier Surajo Abubakar Muhammad.
A related report by Maj. Gen. Ali-Keffi (Rtd) also links some of these suspects to powerful Nigerian figures, including former government officials and military chiefs.
Additional Identified Nigerian Financiers (7–20)
Other suspects include businessmen, BDC operators, public officials, jewellers, and forex traders across Kano, Gusau, Sokoto, Minna, Maiduguri, and Abuja.
Their combined financial activities include:
Hundreds of bank accounts
Billions in cash withdrawals
Massive transfers to convicted terrorists
Transactions with companies tied to arms procurement
Cross-network movement of funds among 40+ associates
Several suspects, such as Nurudeen Gani Aliyu (218 accounts) and Adamu Aliyu Kanoma (83 accounts), handled over N10bn in cash withdrawals, while others facilitated direct transfers to terror networks.
INTERNATIONAL SUSPECTS
1. Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa (Late)
A Rwandan businessman with residences in Nigeria and South Africa. His 70 Nigerian accounts processed N67bn inflows linked to associates of Boko Haram.
2. Paul Nkwaya
Son of Ayabatwa and co-owner of Leaf To***co & Commodities. He handled shared accounts involved in suspected offshore transfers.
3. Aboubacar Hima ("Petit")
A Nigerien arms dealer operating in Abuja. His 35 accounts facilitated over $1.19m from the UAE to associates of convicted terrorists.
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A COORDINATED FINANCIAL NETWORK
The discoveries reveal a well-structured, multinational financing system supporting Boko Haram:
Multi-billion-naira flows
Hundreds of connected bank accounts
Cross-border transfers
Direct links to convicts and arms suppliers
Repeated mentions in foreign terrorism-financing judgments
Security analysts say the findings demand urgent government action, deeper investigations, and full prosecution of all implicated individuals.
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