TERRORISM: NFIU uncovers IPOB cells in UK, US, others

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit has uncovered 27 cells belonging to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in 22 countries across the world, including the USA, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

The NFIU in its Counter Terrorism Financing Newsletter dated February 26, 2024, said the US and the UK have the highest number of these cells with seven and six in both countries.

In 2017, former president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration proscribed IPOB as a terrorist organisation following their vicious activities in the Southeast region.

Also, the leader of the separatist movement, Mr Nnamdi Kanu who was renditioned from Kenya is currently being prosecuted by the government.

In the document titled “Counter Terrorism Financial Newsletter,” the NFIU identified 54 individuals from around the world who are allegedly linked to the activities of IPOB.

According to the document, it has been confirmed that the diaspora affiliates of the movement have established a presence in over 22 countries worldwide. Upon closer examination, it was discovered that there were 27 organizations littered around the globe that were registered under the group’s name.

The United States and the United Kingdom had the most registrations, with seven and six entities registered respectively.

“The analysis further indicates that the group has several bank accounts in different countries where funds are being received from various contributors with the narrations ‘Monthly Dues, Services and for ESN’, among others, then later disbursed for various operations.

“It was confirmed that one of the major sources of revenue for the group is crowdfunding by several individuals abroad, mostly Nigerians.

“It was observed that over $160,000 was disbursed to Transmission, Media, and Broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The analysis profiled the leader of the group, his addresses, and mobile numbers abroad with other 53 individuals associated with the dissident group. The report was forwarded to Law Enforcement for further investigation.”

The NFIU also disclosed that a betting platform, known as ‘XC’, reported a Suspicious Transaction on a 24-year-old Nigerian customer from North-Central, Nigeria.

“This 24-year-old from Nigeria’s North-Central region received over N350,000 in his betting wallet, believed to be ransom money from a kidnapping,” the NFIU said.

Also, the financial intelligence unit uncovered a terrorist who was trying to avoid detection. The report highlighted that the individual made organised cash withdrawals from various ATMs and bought plane tickets to volatile regions, using credit cards.

The NFIU clarified that whenever the person went over their withdrawal limit, they would find different ways to travel.

“The terrorist then attempted suspicious transfers exceeding €1,000 to a local charity with potential links to terrorism. These transactions, along with others for luxury goods and escort services, raised red flags,” the newsletter stated.

The NFIU has called on security operatives to thoroughly investigate transactions involving individuals connected to known terrorists or financiers.

They also stressed the need to look into unauthorised tax collection or forced donations in areas prone to terrorism, as well as the role of Bureau de Change operators in facilitating transfers within suspected networks.

It urged security agencies to focus on various areas of concern. These include monitoring multiple cash deposits in bank accounts, scrutinising Point of Sale operators who receive large deposits followed by cash withdrawals, tracking money transfers from Nigeria to high-risk countries, investigating individuals who are recruited to open multiple bank accounts, and monitoring financial transfers to charities that may be linked to terrorism.