SaharaReporters has obtained detailed information on a network of 23 individuals—20 Nigerians and 3 international actors—suspected of financing terrorism, particularly linked to Boko Haram activities. The investigation traces personal data, financial transactions, and associations with convicted individuals, revealing extensive cross-border arms and fund transfers.

The Nigerian suspects, some of whom were arrested in 2021 and later controversially released, include:

• Alhaji Saidu Ahmed (“Alhaji Saidu Gold”), Zaria: inflows of ₦4.8 billion, linked to convicts Surajo Abubakar Muhammad, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, and Bashir Aliyu Yusuf.
• Usaini Adamu, Kano: ₦43B inflows, ₦50B outflows across 111 accounts in 9 banks; served as guarantor for convicts’ accounts and facilitated weapons procurement.
• Muhammad Sani Adam, Kano/Yola: 41 accounts, ₦54.1B inflows, ₦54.4B outflows, close associate of Alhaji Saidu.
• Abubakar Adamu Yellow, Kano: 42 accounts, transfers totaling ₦61.4B inflows, ₦51.7B outflows to convicts and associates.
• Murtala Abdullahi Jega, Kano: 94 accounts, transferred funds linked to weapons procurement.
• Sadiq Garba Abubakar, Kano/Abuja: 30 accounts, ₦1.65B transferred to convicts between 2015–2017.
• Hussaini Adamu, Kano: pivotal in facilitating funds among convicts.
• Mustapha Ibrahim Yakubu, Wuse/Kano: 39 accounts; transfers include ₦2B to Bahafs Global and ₦345M to Murtala Jega.
• Ali Abdullahi Yusuf, Kano: 43 accounts, transactions with over 40 associates of convicts.
• Nasiru Shuaibu, Gusau/Minna: 17 accounts, received ₦5.4B from Muhammad Sani.
• Yusuf Ghazali, Kano: 385 accounts, facilitator of transfers from Dubai.

Other Nigerian financiers identified include Mansur Muhammad Usman, Yazid Usman Muhammad, Alhaji Musa Emma, Modu Sulum, Adamu Aliyu Kanoma, Habibu Muhammad Usama, Nurudeen Gani Aliyu, Ladan Ibrahim, and Sadiq Garba Abubakar (listed above).

International suspects include:

• Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa (Rwanda/South Africa, deceased 2024): 70 accounts, inflows ₦67B, outflows ₦34B, facilitated offshore transfers linked to convicts.
• Paul Nkwaya, Rwanda: co-owned Leaf Tobacco & Commodities; involved in the same network.
• Aboubacar Hima (“Petit”), Niger/Abuja: 35 accounts, transfers exceeding $1.19M from UAE, under investigation for money laundering and arms dealings.

The report highlights coordinated financial operations spanning Nigeria and international jurisdictions, with repeated mentions in UAE court judgments confirming links to convicted terrorists. The investigation underscores the urgent need for continued monitoring and prosecution of these networks to curb terrorist financing.