The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has revealed the financing of terrorist groups, such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), through crowdfunding, online transfers, and betting platforms. This information was disclosed in a recent newsletter published by the NFIU’s Counter Financing of Terrorism Department.
According to the NFIU, it has identified an extensive network of IPOB associates spanning across 22 countries. These affiliates, mainly Nigerian nationals residing abroad, have established a total of 27 entities under the IPOB banner. The United States and the United Kingdom lead with 7 and 6 registrations respectively.
The newsletter further highlighted the NFIU’s analysis, which unveiled a troubling financial framework. IPOB maintains international bank accounts where funds are received from various sources under the guise of “Monthly Dues, Services, and for ESN” (Eastern Security Network, IPOB’s armed branch). These funds are subsequently utilized to finance their activities.
