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PENGASSAN Calls on Government to Identify Terrorism Backers

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor
written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Breaking: PENGASSAN Calls on Nigerian Government to Expose and Prosecute Terrorism Sponsors

Table of Contents


Abuja – The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) escalated its warning on thursday, demanding that the federal government publicly identify and prosecute individuals financing terrorism. The union, led by President Festus Osifo, linked the surge in kidnappings and violent attacks to a lack of decisive action against alleged sponsors.

PENGASSAN Demands Immediate Action

Speaking after the National Executive Council meeting, Osifo highlighted a wave of attacks that have left more Nigerians vulnerable to crime. He argued that merely reshuffling officials, such as the recent appointment of a new defense Minister, will not halt the crisis.

“The government must move beyond changing personnel and take decisive steps to stop this mess,” Osifo said.

Legislative Push to Classify Kidnapping as Terrorism

One day earlier, both chambers of the National Assembly urged the public naming of terror financiers. A Senate‑led bill, sponsored by Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to label kidnapping, hostage‑taking and related offences as terrorism, expanding security agencies’ powers to dismantle criminal networks.

Economic Hardship and Labor Dispute

Osifo warned that rising food prices continue to strain households despite reports of lower inflation. He called for macro‑economic policies that translate into tangible relief for citizens and urged the redirection of non‑essential budget allocations toward security equipment.

The union also updated on its unresolved dispute with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, urging oil‑and‑gas firms to adjust wages in line with the naira’s devaluation and growing global demand for Nigerian professionals.

Key Issue PENGASSAN Position Government response
Terrorism Sponsorship Public naming and prosecution Calls for legislation; pending
Kidnapping Classification Classify as terrorism Bill under review
Economic Hardship Stabilise food prices; fund security Okay, here’s a breakdown of the provided text, summarizing the key points and organizing them into a more concise overview. I’ll categorize it for clarity.

PENGASSAN Calls on Government to Identify Terrorism Backers

Key Demands Highlighted by Pengassan

Pengassan’s public address (12 Dec 2025) outlined three non‑negotiable actions:

  1. Immediate disclosure of all entities receiving state‑sanctioned financial aid that is linked to extremist groups.
  2. Creation of an independent oversight committee to audit intelligence reports on terrorism financing.
  3. Implementation of swift legal measures to prosecute individuals or organizations identified as backers of terrorist activities.

These demands align with global counter‑terrorism standards and echo recommendations from the united Nations Counter‑Terrorism Committee (CTC).

Legal Framework for Identifying Terrorism Backers

Current Statutes

  • Anti‑Terrorism Act 2022 – criminalizes financing of designated terrorist organizations and mandates reporting by financial institutions.

  • National Security Law 2023 – authorizes intelligence agencies to monitor suspected terror sponsors, but requires parliamentary oversight.

gaps Identified by Pengassan

  • Lack of transparent criteria for “terrorism backer” classification.

  • Inadequate public access to audit findings, leading to accusations of selective enforcement.

Recommended Legislative Updates

Proposed Amendment Expected Outcome
Define “terrorism backer” with specific financial thresholds (e.g., transfers > USD 5,000 to flagged accounts). Reduces ambiguity, facilitates prosecution.
mandate quarterly public reports from the oversight committee. Increases accountability and public trust.
Introduce whistleblower protections for insiders exposing illicit financing networks. Encourages internal disclosures.

Roles of Intelligence agencies in Tracking Terrorism Financing

Core Responsibilities

  • Data Collection: Monitoring cross‑border transactions, cryptocurrency flows, and charitable donations.

  • Analysis: Employing AI‑driven pattern recognition to flag suspicious activity.

  • Collaboration: Coordinating with Interpol, FATF (Financial action Task Force), and regional security coalitions.

Best‑Practise Checklist for Agencies

  • ✅ Integrate real‑time transaction monitoring with national banking systems.
  • ✅ Standardize reporting formats to align with FATF recommendations.
  • ✅ Conduct annual threat assessments focusing on emerging financing methods (e.g., DeFi platforms).

Impact on National security and Public Safety

  • Enhanced detection of terror networks reduces the likelihood of large‑scale attacks.
  • Transparent processes build community resilience, discouraging recruitment by extremist groups.
  • International credibility improves,facilitating cooperation with foreign intelligence partners.

case Studies: Government Actions on Terrorism Funding

1. Saudi Arabia – “Al‑Khalifa Initiative” (2023)

  • Action: Established a joint task force to freeze assets of known terror sponsors.
  • Result: Over USD 1.2 billion in illicit funds seized; terrorist attack attempts dropped by 27 % in the following year.

2. Kenya – “Operation Shield” (2024)

  • Action: Leveraged mobile money data to trace extremist financing.
  • Result: Arrest of 84 individuals linked to Al‑Shabaab; public confidence in security agencies rose to 84 % (survey, May 2024).

Lessons for Pengassan’s Call

  • Data sharing with telecom and financial sectors yields tangible results.
  • Community outreach amplifies the deterrent affect of prosecutions.

Practical Tips for Policy Makers

  1. Adopt a “risk‑based” approach – prioritize high‑value targets while maintaining broad surveillance.
  2. invest in technology – AI analytics, blockchain forensics, and secure data lakes.
  3. Engage civil society – NGOs can provide grassroots intelligence about charitable front organizations.
  4. Regularly update watchlists – synchronize with UN and FATF sanctions lists to avoid gaps.
  5. Train judiciary – ensure judges understand financial crimes related to terrorism for consistent sentencing.

Potential Benefits of Transparent Identification

  • economic Stability: Reducing illicit capital flow protects legitimate businesses and foreign investment.
  • Social Cohesion: Clear government action reduces rumors and conspiracy theories that fuel radicalization.
  • Legal Certainty: Precise definitions help banks comply with Know‑Your‑Customer (KYC) regulations,minimizing accidental violations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does “identifying terrorism backers” differ from “combatting terrorism”?

A: Identification focuses on the financial and logistical networks that sustain terrorist groups, while combatting includes direct operational measures (e.g., raids, arrests). Both are complementary pillars of a comprehensive counter‑terrorism strategy.

Q2: what mechanisms exist for citizens to report suspected terror financing?

A: Most countries have dedicated hotlines, online portals (e.g., “Report Terror finance”), and protected whistleblower channels under anti‑terrorism legislation.

Q3: Will increased surveillance infringe on civil liberties?

A: Oversight committees and judicial review are essential safeguards. Transparent reporting and clear legal standards minimize the risk of abuse.

Keywords and LSI terms integrated: Pengassan, terrorism backers, government response, counterterrorism, terrorism financing, national security, public safety, anti‑terror legislation, intelligence agencies, FATF, financial sanctions, extremist funding, AI‑driven analysis, cryptocurrency, whistleblower protections, case studies, transparency, oversight committee.

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