As part of the effort to reduce the inflow of operational funds to insurgents, the Nigerian security agencies have started going after identified sponsors of Boko Haram and other sponsors of criminals across the country, particularly within the northern region.
The security agencies have also commenced an aggressive investigation that was indeed impacting positively in terms of the fight against terrorism in the country.
The onslaught against the insurgency sponsors was disclosed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, during an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.
Malami hinted that before embarking on the manhunt for the sponsors, the apex government had secured court orders to prevent violation of any provisions within the 1999 constitution.
The minister explained that the ongoing investigations and arrests were being carried out in line with the country’s laws, insisting that due process would be followed.
According to him, one thing I can tell you for sure is that whatever we do, in terms of detention and arrest, is indeed backed by judicial processes.
“We have acquired and obtained legitimate court orders, taking into consideration the facts and material proof of evidence presented before the court on account of which the court eventually exercises its discretion in terms of granting orders that we can have the suspects in custody pending the conclusion of the investigation,” he added.
Although the minister did not mention those identified by the Federal Government, he gave an assurance that they would be prosecuted.
“As far as that aspect (of terrorism financing) is concerned, we have succeeded, one, in identifying those that are responsible for funding. Two, blocking the leakages associated with the funding, and then, three, embarking on an aggressive investigation that is indeed impacting positively in terms of the fight against terrorism.”
