- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, stressed the need for sustainable solutions to combat Nigeria's escalating security issues, driven by arms smuggling from Libya
- Hafsat Abubakar Bakari emphasised the need for sustainable solutions to combat Nigeria's escalating security issues
- She called for increased international collaboration to help Nigeria effectively combat terrorism and the arms trade
Nigeria has raised concerns about escalating security threats, pointing to the inflow of arms from Libya as a driving factor behind the rise in terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings.
This was disclosed by Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) at a roundtable organised by the Centre for International Private Enterprise in Washington, D.C.
Inflow of weapons from Libya linked to Nigeria’s escalating security crisis
“The inflow of weapons from Libya is directly linked to the escalation of Nigeria’s security crisis. We need more than stopgap measures; we need sustainable solutions,” Bakari stated.
Bakari pointed out that the surge of weapons entering Nigeria from Libya has dramatically intensified the nation’s security problems, particularly the spread of terrorism.
Speaking further, she emphasised that the instability in Libya extends well beyond its borders, with the illegal arms trade originating there intensifying conflicts across West and North Africa, leaving Nigeria especially vulnerable.
Bakari highlighted the steps Nigeria is taking to improve its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF) framework.
Bakari appeals for global assistance in fighting terrorism
These strategies are intended to locate and disrupt the financial channels that fuel terrorism and arms smuggling. She mentioned that Nigeria has been actively partnering with international organisations to bolster its security and financial infrastructure to combat these problems.
Bakari, in her remarks, said that the NFIU is working closely with major stakeholders to fight terrorism financing, mentioning Nigeria's recent revival of the Joint Task Force on terrorism finance in the Sahel. She added that member states would be meeting in Abuja this month to finalise the effort through a formal agreement.
Calling for enhanced international collaboration, Bakari appealed to global partners to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism, especially in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. She highlighted that Nigeria is committed to addressing these challenges but requires further institutional support to achieve its aims.
“We need your help to implement sustainable solutions to fight terrorism and disrupt the flow of weapons from Libya,” Bakari told the audience.
Sahel’s porous borders worsen arms trafficking and insecurity
The 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi led to Libya's government collapsing, making the country a key hotspot for weapons smuggling.
Weapons flowing out of Libya have flooded into Nigeria and nearby regions, with terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP capitalising on the situation to promote violence and destabilisation.
The Sahel region’s porous borders and inadequate security infrastructure have created a breeding ground for arms smuggling, further heightening insurgent violence and crime.
Bakari called for sustainable, long-lasting strategies over short-lived interventions to effectively counter the growing threat.
“2 million personnel unrealistic to safeguard Nigerians,” says Army chief, Lagbaja
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that General Taoreed Lagbaja said that two million security personnel are insufficient for Nigeria's population of over 200 million.
He raised concerns about inadequate funding for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, limiting operational capabilities.