The House of Representatives has asked President Bola Tinubu’s administration to publicly reveal and prosecute individuals and networks believed to be financing terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. Lawmakers said Nigerians “have a right to know” who is bankrolling the violence that has claimed thousands of lives, insisting that continued secrecy undermines public confidence and weakens the fight against insecurity.
During plenary, members lamented that successive governments and security agencies have repeatedly hinted that they know the sponsors of terrorism and banditry but have failed to make their identities public or bring them to justice. One of the sponsors of the motion argued that it was “time we know them, we name them, we prosecute them, and put an end to this question of funding of terrorism,” stressing that citizens are being massacred while alleged financiers “hide behind the system” and enjoy state protection.
The lawmakers noted that Nigeria has adopted tough anti-terrorism and anti–money laundering laws, yet there is no visible, high-profile conviction of terror financiers to reassure the public.
The resolution urged the Federal Government to publish the names of individuals, organisations and networks credibly linked to funding terrorist and bandit groups, and to immediately commence prosecution in line with existing laws. Members also called for closer cooperation between intelligence agencies, the Central Bank and commercial banks to trace suspicious financial flows, freeze accounts tied to insurgent or bandit operations, and dismantle laundering channels that move ransom payments and weapons money.
The House further demanded regular briefings from the executive on progress in tracking and prosecuting financiers, so parliament and the public can verify that “real work, not just rhetoric” is being done.
Some lawmakers warned that shielding those behind terror financing risks giving the impression that powerful political and economic interests are above the law. They argued that military operations alone cannot end insecurity if the financial backbone of violent groups is left intact. By adopting the motion, the House signalled its readiness to back the executive with legislation and oversight—on the condition that the government breaks its silence and finally tells Nigerians who has been funding terrorism and banditry in their name.
