During the `Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell Media and Communication workshop’ held in Abuja, Yaminu Musa, the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) within the Office of the National Security Adviser, highlighted a concerning issue.
Musa stated that the funds acquired through kidnapping are being utilized as a source of financing for terrorism.
This revelation underscores the complex and interconnected nature of criminal activities, as funds generated from one illicit act are channeled into supporting another criminal endeavor. The workshop likely aimed to address these challenges and enhance communication strategies to combat kidnapping and related crimes more effectively.
“Kidnapping for ransom is also identified as one of the means of funding terrorism.
“Thus, carnage unleashed by kidnappers in affiliation with terrorist groups all over the world leading to loss and disruption of lives and properties, is a major concern.
“Hence the need for collective efforts in advancing measures to check the threat,” he said.
Musa stressed that tackling this menace demands collective and continuous actions from various stakeholders, including the government, citizens, the international community, and the media.
He pointed out that globally, funds derived from kidnapping for ransom have consistently served as a means to finance terrorism.
