Biafra: NFIU uncovers IPOB cells, terror funding operations

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered 27 cells associated with the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) spread across 22 countries worldwide, including the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

According to the NFIU, the US and the UK host the largest numbers of these IPOB cells per country, with seven and six operating cells respectively.

This revelation came to light in a newsletter exposing the financing of terror activities in Nigeria by IPOB, bandits, and other terrorist groups through global crowdfunding and sports betting platforms.

In 2017, the Federal Government proscribed IPOB and classified the self-determination group as a terrorist organization. Its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is presently facing terrorism charges.

The NFIU’s “Counter Terrorism Financial Newsletter” connects the operations of IPOB to 54 individuals worldwide.

The newsletter states: “The NFIU confirmed that the diaspora affiliates of the IPOB group have spread over 22 countries across the globe. Further analysis exposed 27 entities registered in the name of the group worldwide, with the US and the UK having the highest number of registrations, at seven and six entities respectively.

“The analysis further indicates that the group maintains several bank accounts in different countries, where funds are received from various contributors under narratives such as ‘Monthly Dues,’ ‘Services,’ and ‘for ESN’ (Eastern Security Network), among others. These funds are later disbursed for various operations.

“It was confirmed that one of the major revenue sources for the group is crowdfunding by several individuals abroad, predominantly Nigerians.

“The analysis revealed that over $160,000 was disbursed to transmission, media, and broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. The report also profiles the group’s leader, his addresses, and mobile numbers abroad, along with 53 other individuals associated with the group. Law enforcement has been alerted for further investigation.”

Additionally, the NFIU disclosed that a betting platform identified as ‘XC’ reported a Suspicious Transaction involving a 24-year-old Nigerian customer from North-Central Nigeria. This individual received over N350,000 in his betting wallet, believed to be ransom money from a kidnapping.

In another instance, the financial intelligence unit uncovered a terrorist’s attempt to evade detection by making structured cash withdrawals from various Automated Teller Machines and purchasing flight tickets to high-risk areas using credit cards. When exceeding withdrawal limits, the individual resorted to alternative travel methods.

“The terrorist then attempted suspicious transfers exceeding €1,000 to a local charity with potential links to terrorism. These transactions, along with others for luxury goods and escort services, raised red flags,” the newsletter noted.

The NFIU urged law enforcement agencies to investigate transactions by individuals linked to known terrorists or financiers, unauthorized tax collections or forced donations in terrorism-prone areas, Bureau de Change operators facilitating transfers within suspected networks, multiple cash deposits in bank accounts, Point of Sale operators receiving large deposits followed by cash withdrawals, money transfers from Nigeria to high-risk countries, recruitment of individuals to open multiple bank accounts, and financial transfers to charities linked to terrorism.