Terror Sponsors are Known But FG Lacks Courage to Prosecute them, Alleges Ex-Defence Director, Olawunmi
A former Deputy Director of Defence Administration, Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (rtd), has accused the Federal Government of Nigeria of knowing individuals who sponsor terrorism in the country but lacking the courage to prosecute them.
Speaking in a recent interview, Olawunmi, who once served in military intelligence, alleged that investigations and interrogations carried out by security agencies in previous years revealed the identities of several influential Nigerians involved in financing insurgent groups.
According to him, some of the names uncovered included politicians, state governors, lawmakers, and even individuals close to the corridors of power.
The retired defence chief lamented that despite the availability of intelligence reports exposing these sponsors, the government had not taken decisive action to bring them to justice.
“During my time in service, we knew who they were. Some of them were questioned, and their names appeared in our reports, but the system never had the courage to try them,” he stated.
Olawunmi criticised the government’s handling of the war against terrorism, describing it as selective and weak.
He noted that while the authorities are quick to arrest lower-level suspects and announce the capture of financiers through Bureau De Change channels, the powerful figures behind the scenes are left untouched. “You cannot win the war on terror when those providing the funding and political cover are treated as untouchable,” he warned.
His comments have reignited public debate about accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
Many analysts argue that the failure to prosecute known sponsors of terrorism undermines both security operations and public trust in government institutions.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also weighed in, saying the government often claims to know terror financiers but fails to provide sufficient evidence to secure convictions.
He urged authorities to move beyond rhetoric and ensure that suspects are properly investigated and prosecuted in open court.
The Federal Government has yet to issue a detailed response to Olawunmi’s claims. However, previous administrations have maintained that terrorism financing cases are complex, requiring delicate handling due to the sensitivity of intelligence and international cooperation involved.
Despite these challenges, Nigerians continue to demand greater transparency and decisive action. For many, the retired officer’s revelations serve as a reminder that the fight against terrorism must not stop at the battlefield—it must also reach those who enable and profit from it behind the scenes.
