We will block financial networks funding terrorism – Army, ICPC

The Nigerian Army and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are strengthening their collaboration to identify, trace and block financial networks suspected of supporting terrorism and other criminal activities in Nigeria.

The move was discussed when the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 23 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Adamu Abdul, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the ICPC Adamawa State Command.

Abdul said tackling the sources of terrorist financing was critical to weakening insurgent groups and disrupting their operations.

“Financial loopholes and other clandestine channels through which criminal and terrorist activities are funded must be identified and decisively blocked.”

The Army commander said the ICPC had an important role to play through intelligence gathering, financial investigations and information sharing with security agencies.

He said addressing terrorism should go beyond targeting fighters and their operational networks to also include the financial channels that enable them to acquire logistics and sustain their activities.

“The Nigerian Army is eager to build a stronger and more structured partnership with the Commission in these critical areas.”

The commander cited Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and kidnapping as security threats requiring greater attention to the financial and logistical networks behind them.

Responding, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Okoro Ulu James, said the ICPC was prepared to continue working with the military on issues within its mandate.

“Both institutions have over the years collaborated in areas including the training of personnel and the sharing of information.”

James said closer cooperation between anti-corruption and security agencies was increasingly important in confronting Nigeria’s security and governance challenges.

He assured the Army that the ICPC would continue to support efforts involving financial and intelligence-related issues that could undermine the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.