Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa has disclosed that terrorists in Nigeria sustain their activities through proceeds from illicit gold mining.
He also announced the capture of major terror leaders linked to Ansaru and Mahmuda groups, which is a significant breakthrough in counterterrorism efforts.
General Musa revealed during a televised interview that illegal gold mining generates crucial financial support for insurgent groups, complicating efforts to trace and curtail their funding due to the intricate and international nature of these networks. Terrorists leverage control over mining sites and transportation routes, often collaborating with local militia and criminal entities to maximize profits from this lucrative but unlawful enterprise.
The defence chief said that aside from these gold-backed finances, local terror factions employ individuals daily to manage funds transmitted covertly into accounts, maintaining a steady cash flow. Coordinated operations by the Nigerian Air Force, Army, Navy, Military Intelligence, and Security Services recently led to the arrest of prominent commanders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman of Ansaru and Mahmud al-Nigeri of Mahmuda, both notorious for orchestrating high-profile attacks and kidnappings.
General Musa affirmed that these apprehensions symbolize a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, but the campaign continues as authorities relentlessly pursue remaining leaders.
The CDS also stressed the importance of cultivating combat-readiness among citizens akin to essential life skills and advocated for legal reforms to expedite terrorism-related prosecutions and enforce stricter penalties.
General Musa stated,
Terrorists rely heavily on gold-backed finances. They circulate these funds, making it imperative for us to track these transactions. Our joint efforts with all security bodies have led to the successful capture of key terror commanders, a testament to detailed intelligence and collaboration…things are improving by the day. We are not resting, the war against terrorism will get better, and Nigerians should be assured that covert operations continue to target these groups
Regarding public preparedness, the CDS remarked,
Learning combat skills is as essential as driving or swimming. It is a survival instinct that everyone should cultivate, regardless of current peace or conflict
The arrest of leading militants is a crucial shift in Nigeria’s counterterrorism landscape, with enhanced strategic coordination and resilience. The government plans to strengthen legal frameworks and sustain pressure on both domestic and external terror financiers to safeguard national security and foster lasting peace.
Leave a comment