NIGERIA URGES AU CRACKDOWN ON ILLICIT TERROR FINANCING IN AFRICA

Nigeria has called on the African Union (AU) to take stronger measures against illicit financing of terrorism across the continent.

The Nigerian delegation made the appeal on Wednesday during the AU Summit on Peace and Security in Addis Ababa.

Representatives highlighted how terrorist groups exploit weak financial systems, cross-border transactions, and informal economies to fund their deadly activities.

“Nigeria urges the AU to prioritise the development and enforcement of robust mechanisms to track, disrupt, and eliminate sources of terror financing,” the delegation stated.

The country emphasised the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, capacity building for financial intelligence units, and closer collaboration with global partners.

This renewed push comes as Nigeria continues to battle Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed banditry, which rely heavily on ransom payments, smuggling, and other illicit funds.

AU officials welcomed Nigeria’s position and agreed to fast-track the implementation of a continental framework to combat the financing of terrorism and violent extremism