The facilitators reportedly use encrypted messaging platforms, including Telegram and Signal, to circulate links to payment pages and conventional bank accounts through which sympathisers contribute funds.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered an emerging crowdfunding network being used to raise and move money for terrorist activities in Nigeria, with financiers deploying women’s bank accounts, third-party phone numbers and even accounts belonging to deceased persons to conceal the movement of illicit funds.
The findings were contained in the NFIU’s 2025 Annual Report, which examined emerging trends in terrorist financing, financial fraud and other financial crimes during the year.
According to the report, the network operates through foreign-based facilitators who use social media platforms to solicit donations disguised as humanitarian relief, educational assistance and other legitimate causes.
The facilitators reportedly use encrypted messaging platforms, including Telegram and Signal, to circulate links to payment pages and conventional bank accounts through which sympathisers contribute funds.
