NFIU Discovers Foreign Crowdfunding for Terrorism in Nigeria

The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has identified a foreign crowdfunding scheme used to finance terrorist operations in Nigeria, as detailed in its 2025 Annual Report. This scheme involves facilitators abroad running social media campaigns disguised as humanitarian or educational initiatives.

They utilize encrypted platforms like Telegram and Signal to share links to PayPal and bank accounts, encouraging contributions of $50 to $500 to avoid detection. Funds accumulate in a "master account" controlled by a senior group member abroad, then are transferred to money mules in Nigeria.

Recipients include students and small-business owners, who convert the funds into cash or purchase dual-use items. The NFIU also noted the use of bank accounts opened in women's names, with male commanders secretly controlling them.

Additionally, facilitators employed unregistered mobile banking alerts to maintain anonymity. Security experts, including Chidi Omeje and Lawrence Alobi, have called for enhanced operational strategies among Nigerian security and financial institutions to track these financial flows more effectively.