The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon. Jimi Benson, has shed light on why the names of suspected terrorism financiers in Nigeria remain undisclosed.
He explained that many of those alleged backers are already under “scrutiny”— being tracked, identified, and investigated — but public naming is being withheld for security reasons.
During a recent interview on ARISE TV programme “Prime Time,” Benson said that some financiers are based locally, while others operate internationally.
He stressed that the authorities have done a lot behind the scenes to tackle the funding networks behind terrorism.
According to him, revealing their identities now could compromise ongoing investigations and national security.
He affirmed that “work is in progress,” and a “responsible government” will deal with the individuals when the time is right.
Benson insisted that the government is working round the clock. He said tracking, investigating, and building cases against suspected sponsors is underway — with support from international partners. That, he said, explains why the public cannot yet know who these financiers are.
The lawmaker also expressed confidence that once the investigations are complete, action will follow.
He said many suspected financiers have “lost the nerve” to fund terror groups because they know they are being watched.
In a related development, recent statements from the authorities indicate the government is intensifying its efforts to dismantle terror-funding networks.
For instance, the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said in August 2025 that the process of naming financiers is ongoing, but hampered by legal and international complications.
Also, the government recently reaffirmed its commitment to exposing and prosecuting those who fund violent groups.
A presidential aide said the administration will soon reveal the names behind terror financing, highlighting that crippling their financial backbone remains a top priority.
For now, according to Benson, the silence is not a sign of inaction, but a necessary strategy to preserve ongoing investigations and ensure justice is served properly.