By Muhammad Mamman
The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson, has disclosed that individuals suspected of financing terrorism in Nigeria—both within and outside the country—cannot be tried publicly due to national security implications.
Benson, who spoke during an oversight engagement with security agencies, said a number of high-profile suspects are currently under discreet scrutiny, adding that recent government actions have significantly tightened the net around terror financing networks.
He explained that while Nigerians are eager to know the identities of those funding terrorism, revealing such information at this stage could compromise ongoing intelligence operations and endanger lives.
“Some of them are local, and some are international,” he said. “The government has done a lot in recent times. The public cannot know who they are because of security concerns.”
Benson reiterated that the fight against terrorism requires a careful balance between transparency and protecting classified intelligence. He assured Nigerians that security agencies are making progress and that the House Committee on Defence will continue to provide robust legislative support to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
He added that the ultimate goal is to dismantle the financial architecture sustaining terror groups and ensure lasting peace across the country.
