Insecurity: ‘Disrupt terrorism financing’ – COAS charges Nigerian banks

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, urged Nigeria’s banking sector to intensify efforts to disrupt terrorism financing and other illicit financial flows that threaten national security.

The COAS made the appeal on Monday during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja, where he met the Group Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa, Mr. Oliver Alawuba.

He described the financial sector as a vital partner in safeguarding national stability and supporting economic resilience.

Lieutenant General Shaibu asked Mr. Alawuba, in his role as Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs, to rally the banking industry to strengthen financial surveillance and intelligence‑sharing mechanisms that can detect and block suspicious transactions linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

He stressed that cutting off the financial lifelines of criminal networks is a key element of Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism and internal security strategy.

The COAS also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving personnel welfare as a pillar of operational effectiveness and force readiness.

In his remarks, Mr. Alawuba reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting the Nigerian Army through tailored financial solutions, including mortgage financing, support for military infrastructure projects, and welfare initiatives.

He further pledged the bank’s assistance in providing efficient financial services for personnel deployed on international peace‑support operations.