The Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies, NISS, Ayodele Adeleke has stressed the gravity of the threat posed by terrorism financing in the West Africa sub-region while urging for disrupting the flow of illicit finances, for the region to strike a significant blow against terrorist organizations and their nefarious activities.
He stated this while addressing participants at the Train the Trainers Workshop on Countering the Financing of Terrorism, organised by the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) at the institute in Abuja yesterday.
In his opening remarks, the commandant underscored the urgent need to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat terrorism and its financial networks effectively.
“Terrorism poses a grave threat to the peace, stability, and development of our countries and the wider West African region. By disrupting the flow of illicit finances, we can strike a significant blow against terrorist organizations and their nefarious activities.”
Highlighting the crucial role of trainers in imparting essential knowledge and skills, Adeleke highlighted their responsibility to empower peers and colleagues to become effective frontline defenders against terrorism financing.
He urged participants to engage actively, exchange ideas, and draw upon the expertise of facilitators and fellow participants throughout the workshop.
“While delving into the complexities of terrorism financing, let us not lose sight of the human cost of our work.
“Our efforts are not just about seizing assets or disrupting financial flows; they are about safeguarding human dignity, promoting peace, and upholding the values of justice and solidarity,” the commandant added.
He also expressed gratitude to GIABA for organizing the workshop and reiterated the importance of collaboration, determination, and resolve in the fight against terrorism financing and encouraged the participants to make the most of the training and work together towards a safer, more secure future for all.
