The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Monday called on Nigeria’s banking sector to intensify efforts at disrupting terrorism financing, urging lenders to deploy stronger financial surveillance and intelligence-sharing tools against criminal networks.
General Shaibu made the call while receiving the Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr Oliver Alawuba, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, the COAS described the financial sector as “a critical stakeholder in safeguarding national stability,” and tasked Alawuba in his role as Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs with mobilising the industry to detect and block transactions linked to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
“Disrupting the financial lifelines of criminal networks remains a key component of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and internal security strategy,” General Shaibu said.
The meeting also yielded a welfare boost for soldiers. The Army disclosed a partnership with UBA to develop mortgage schemes and housing initiatives for serving and retired personnel, complementing ongoing efforts to upgrade barracks infrastructure across the country.
Alawuba, for his part, pledged UBA’s support through mortgage financing, military infrastructure investment, and welfare services, including streamlined financial services for troops deployed on international peacekeeping missions. #Securitynewsalert.com
