1. The Hidden Sponsors: A Structural Threat
Former Naval Intelligence Chief Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (rtd.) confirmed that security agencies have identified Boko Haram sponsors among Nigeria’s elite—including Senators, Governors, Ministers, and business leaders in cement, oil, and vehicle manufacturing . He lamented that over 400 Boko Haram-linked Bureau de Change operators were arrested, yet prosecutions were halted due to political protection .
2. The Stakes: Why Sponsors Must Be Targeted
The Boko Haram insurgency, active since 2009, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 2 million people, especially in Northeast Nigeria .
Olawunmi emphasized:
“Try them, we know them. Some of them are governors, some in the Senate, some in Aso Rock.”
Without dismantling financial backers, military victories remain transient.
3. Lessons from Abroad: Targeting Sponsors Successfully
Several countries have degraded insurgencies by isolating financial networks without harming the broader economy:
Country | Strategy
Italy | “Maxi Trial”; froze Mafia bank accounts | Disrupted criminal financial networks
Colombia | Asset forfeiture of cartel assets | Weakened drug cartels, protected legitimate trade
Pakistan | Sanctioned terror-finance networks | Isolated financiers, preserved economic growth
These examples show successful suppression of illicit funding while allowing legal industries to thrive.
4. Strategic Roadmap for Nigeria
A. Asset-Freezing Laws and Financial Oversight
Empower EFCC and ICPC with strong legislative tools to freeze suspected funds using intelligence, similar to Pakistan’s financial intelligence model.
B. Special Tribunal for Terror Sponsors
Establish fast-track courts for terrorism financiers, ensuring speed and due process.
C. Enhanced Banking Transparency
Mandate regular due diligence for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
Require banks to flag and report suspicious transactions.
D. Safeguarding the Economy
Plain Text Table:
Sector | Enforcement Approach
Cement | Freeze only suspect accounts; keep plants operational
Oil & Refining | Target individual stakeholders, not entire firms
Manufacturing | Focus on individuals; maintain production and jobs
This ensures punitive actions remain targeted and do not unduly harm legitimate operations.
E. International Collaboration
Work with UAE, U.S., UK, and financial intelligence networks to trace and repatriate illicit funds (as seen in the 2021 OFAC sanctions on Boko Haram financiers) .
F. Rethinking Counterinsurgency Strategy
Move beyond battlefield focus to dismantle financing networks, what Olawunmi described as addressing the “centre of gravity” of the insurgency .
5. Summary Action Plan: Strategic Objectives.
Action Purpose
Asset-Freezing Laws | Immobilize sponsor wealth
Special Terror Tribunals | Ensure swift trials
Banking Reform | Follow financial trails
Sector-Specific Enforcement | Shield productive industries
International Cooperation | Enhance cross-border tracking
Public Transparency | Build public confidence
6. Why Now Matters
Despite military operations and the new MNJTF commander Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, attacks continue unabated—with armed drones and IEDs being deployed by Boko Haram/ISWAP . Civilian and business suffering, especially in the Northeast, remains severe.
7. Conclusion: Time for Political Courage
Commodore Olawunmi’s challenge is clear: “If the government knows these sponsors, why can’t they bring them to trial?” . Addressing insurgency requires more than military might—it demands legal, financial, and institutional action targeted at the source.
Lacking such boldness, battlefield gains will remain fragile. By deftly isolating sponsors while safeguarding the economy, Nigeria can deliver enduring peace and safety.
This is a moment for decisive leadership—target the corrupt, defend the innocent, and secure the nation’s future.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report
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“Confronting Boko Haram Sponsors: A Practical Path to Lasting Security” President can’t do it alone. He should set up a presidential intervention committee with himself as chairman and be careful those he takes on board so that information does not leak to the boko haram sponsors. The military intelligence knows who is who, so let him be cautious and select on loyalty, competence, capacity and capabilities. The National Patriots should be included and a few generals we know who are working hard against terrorism, and ex- intelligence officers. Let them explore options to tackle the hydraheaded monster funded by unpatriotic entrepreneurs and politicians. There are subtle ways to tackle them covertly and expose them.
NASS should enact the required laws first so they will be prosecuted without delay.
Traditional Ruler.
“Targeting Insurgency’s Financiers: Nigeria’s Strategy for Sustainable Peace”.This is the only direction in my opinion. Leaving them to consolidate is a big challenge as it will be more difficult to dislodge them. They are the most wealthy Nigerians that are financing boko haram and politicians holding high positions in government. We know them, but they are untouchable is what this ex- military intelligence chief stated. What a waste of time! National Assembly can’t act because they are amongst Senators, Governors won’t act as they are amongst serving Governors, they are even in the Presidency. Who is going to take these boko haram sponsors down? Jonathan was scared when he was in office and admitted his government was infiltrated. Buhari too lamented that the army had been compromised.
