By Francesca Hangeior
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has unveiled the financing of terrorist organizations, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), through crowdfunding, betting platforms, and online transfers.
This revelation is contained in a recent newsletter published by the NFIU’s Counter Financing of Terrorism Department.
The NFIU identified a vast network of IPOB affiliates spread across 22 countries.
These affiliates, primarily Nigerians residing abroad, have registered at least 27 entities under the IPOB name, with the US and UK leading the pack at 7 and 6 registrations respectively.
The newsletter said NFIU analysis further exposed a concerning financial structure. IPOB maintains bank accounts internationally, receiving funds from various sources disguised as “Monthly Dues, Services and for ESN” (Eastern Security Network, IPOB’s armed wing). These funds are then disbursed to finance their operations.
The report highlights crowdfunding as a major source of income for IPOB, with over $160,000 being funnelled to transmission, media, and broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the UK.
The NFIU analysis identified, “the leader’s addresses and mobile numbers abroad, along with information on 53 other individuals associated with the group. These findings have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.”