We’ll End Terrorism Financing in the North East – Experts
Corruption and bad governance create conditions for the survival of violent extremism and terrorism financing in Nigeria, experts have said.
They made this known at a two-day Sensitisation Workshop held in Gombe State for the Civil Society, Community Leaders and Faith-Based Organisations on the major drivers and enablers of terrorism financing, and prevention of violent extremism in the North East.
The workshop,organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/TI-Nigeria, financed by GIABA-ECOWAS, was aimed at sensitising non-state actors on the major drivers and enablers of terrorism financing, and prevention of violent extremism, while eliciting holistic commitments towards preventive measures.
The experts observed that unguarded borders that consist of multiple legal and illegal entry points coupled with an unregulated and highly differentiated informal financial and economic sector are enablers for terrorism financing in Nigeria.
“The emergence of North East Development Commission has helped in bridging the identified socio-economic and development gaps paving way for violent extremism and terrorism across communities in the North East.
“Threat signals associated with violent extremism in the North East include idealisation, radicalisation, recruitment and propaganda, alienation and marginalisation, increased violence and intolerance, weaponization.
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“Poor collaboration on the part of law enforcement and regulatory agencies contributes to the problem of terrorist financing with resultant inability to track and intercept suspicious transactions and apprehend the culprits.
“Lack of exposure and moral decay at community levels enables corruption, questionable wealth acquisition, terrorism and violent extremism.
“Therefore, promoting comprehensive awareness campaign at community levels through persistent localised engagements to build ownership and cooperation against violent extremism and terrorism financing.
“There is a need for collective advocacy for institutional strengthening and good governance at all levels through enabling legal provisions and systemic realignment.
“Equally, mandatory request for comprehensive and verifiable means of identification as well as adequate background checking of individuals seeking accommodation across communities, to discourage migration and infiltration of violent extremists.
“Also vital is proper monitoring and vetting of sources of contributions and outflows of the religious institutions by relevant response agencies to prevent camouflaged funding for terrorism and violent extremism.
“Lastly and importantly, strengthening sensitisation and advocacy for restoration of social values, family re-orientation against terrorism, terrorism financing and violent extremism at community levels is a necessity.” the experts said.
