By Abdulhameed Musa Abdullahi
The latest international recognition given to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is not just another award. It is proof that when Nigeria follows the money behind crime, criminals find it much harder to operate.
The NFIU and the EFCC have just received the prestigious UNODC–World Bank–Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative Award in Baku, Azerbaijan. This award recognises countries that successfully use financial intelligence, teamwork and international cooperation to recover stolen assets and dismantle criminal financial networks.
This achievement deserves to be celebrated by every Nigerian because it shows that our institutions are gaining global respect for professionalism and results.
For years, security experts have said terrorism is not sustained by weapons alone—it is sustained by money. Once the flow of money is blocked, the ability of criminals and terrorists to buy fuel, motorcycles, weapons, food, communication equipment and recruit members becomes severely weakened.
We have already seen practical examples of this.
Recently, the Katsina State Government restricted the sale of petrol in jerrycans to prevent fuel from reaching bandits. Shortly afterwards, videos circulated online showing large numbers of suspected bandits pushing their motorcycles because they could no longer access fuel easily. Whether every video reflects every situation or not, the lesson is simple: once the supply chain is disrupted, criminal activities become much more difficult.
The same principle applies to financial intelligence.
Instead of only chasing criminals after attacks happen, authorities now increasingly trace where the money comes from, who receives it, how it moves and where it ends. That is exactly what the NFIU was established to do.
Many Nigerians will also remember previous international actions where individuals and companies linked to terrorism financing were sanctioned by foreign governments. Those actions demonstrated that financial intelligence is becoming one of the strongest weapons against organised crime and terrorism.
Today’s international award confirms that Nigeria is making significant progress in this direction.
This success did not happen by accident. It reflects the combined efforts of the NFIU, the EFCC, the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other members of Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) ecosystem. Every agency has an important role to play, and together they are strengthening Nigeria’s security and protecting the country’s financial system.
I particularly congratulate the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, and the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, together with the dedicated officers of both institutions whose professionalism has brought honour to Nigeria on the global stage.
I also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening institutions responsible for combating financial crimes and improving national security.
As citizens, we also have a responsibility. If we notice suspicious financial activities, unusual cash movements, or transactions that appear linked to criminal activities, we should report them through the appropriate lawful channels. Financial intelligence begins with information, and every credible report can help prevent crime before innocent lives are lost.
Security is not only about soldiers carrying rifles. Sometimes, the biggest victory comes from stopping the money before it reaches criminals.
The message is simple:
When we follow the money, we weaken crime. When we weaken crime, we strengthen Nigeria.
Congratulations once again to the entire Nigerian AML/CFT ecosystem for making the country proud.
By Abdulhameed Musa Abdullahi
Former Aspirant, National North-West Zonal Youth Leader; North-West Coordinator, Presidential Support Organization (PSO).