Terrorism financing: Media practitioners trained in skills to expose sponsors

A two-day workshop in Maiduguri equipped North-East media practitioners with skills to investigate and expose sponsors of terrorist activities.

 

Speaking during the training organized by CISLAC and TI-Nigeria, with funding from GIABA-ECOWAS, the Executive Director of CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, stated on Wednesday that the workshop aimed to “sensitise non-state actors on the major drivers and enablers of terrorism financing and prevention of violent extremism”.

 

According to him, the training enabled journalists to track financial flows fueling terrorism and violent extremism.

 

Musa represented by Jimoh Abubakar explained that with Boko Haram still wreaking havoc, the workshop seeks to enhance media capacity in reporting sensitive security issues and promote collaboration in preventing terrorism financing.

 

Speaking, the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Borno Commandant, Musa Boyi, said there is alarming rate of resource mismanagement in the country, warning that the country’s resources are being wasted, stolen, and diverted to fund terrorism.

 

The Commandant emphasized that the nation can no longer tolerate this destructive activity and called for swift action to address it.

 

Dr. Sani Yakubu Gombe, one of the facilitators, identified key factors contributing to terrorism financing in the region. These include limited access to quality education, leading to widespread illiteracy, as well as high levels of poverty and unemployment.

 

According to Dr. Gombe, feelings of inequality and marginalization are also significant drivers of terrorism financing.

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“Additionally, the prevalence of informal economies and ongoing conflict and instability in the region further exacerbate the issue. These factors create an environment in which terrorism can take hold and financing can occur.

 

“Efforts to address terrorism financing in North East, Nigeria, must take a comprehensive approach, addressing these underlying drivers.

 

“Improving access to education, reducing poverty and unemployment, promoting economic development, and addressing feelings of inequality and marginalization are critical steps towards mitigating the threat of terrorism financing in the region.

 

The event brought together media and security agencies to share intelligence and strategies against terrorism financing, addressing the ongoing Boko Haram threat.