It’s time to publicly name, prosecute financiers of terrorism, banditry – Reps tell FG

The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to publicly name, sanction and prosecute individuals and entities financing terrorism and banditry in order to tackle spate of insecurity across the country.

This formed part of the House Resolutions on National Security Reform and Enhancement, following its three-day special plenary on security. The special session was convened in response to the rising wave of insecurity, including mass abductions across the country.

Read also: Why we are yet to prosecute terrorism sponsors – FG

“It is time we know them, we name them, we prosecute them, and put an end to this question of funding of terrorism”, Julius Ihonvbere, the House Leader had said while giving a summary of the recommendations.

The House, while considering and adopting the report containing its recommendations on Wednesday, further urged the federal government to establish a special court dedicated to terrorism, banditry and kidnapping cases, and to ensure that all terrorism-related prosecutions are transparent, and expeditious.

Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the Hosue who presided over the session said the recent terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu had demonstrated the need for all terrorism cases to be handled openly and transparently.

The House also recommended the introduction of an effective national tracking system for all arms and weapons held by security agencies, using digital tracking tools and strict accountability mechanisms.

for a comprehensive audit of all government-owned weapons. “Every firearm should be visible in the system. If it’s moving beyond the jurisdiction, then we ask questions”, Kalu said.

He said that many of the weapons being used by these terrorists are accessed “through backdoor business where government equipment are outsourced” while stressing the need for an audit.

The House further urged the Federal Government to embark on massive recruitment into the armed forces to meet operational demands and to improve the salaries and welfare of all security personnel.

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