Presidency links BDC operators to Boko Haram sponsors

The Presidency has expressed worry over shocking discovery of sponsors of Boko Haram and bandits by the Federal Government.

It said a link between kidnapping for ransom, banditry and Boko Haram sponsorship had been established.

These sponsors include some bureau de change operators with contacts abroad, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Garba Shehu, said.

According to him, there is evidence that money is being sent from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Boko Haram leaders.

He confirmed that the statement by Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Dr Kayode Fayemi that Boko Haram sponsors were behind banditry and kidnapping is a product of intelligence gathering.

He said many people had been arrested and that after investigation, those involved would be exposed.

He warned that there would be no sacred cows even if those involved were found to be politicians.

Shehu, speaking on Channels Television, said, “It is shocking to any Nigerian that places of worship and farmland are places where killers of policemen and security officials are being harboured.

“The new service chiefs are working with the IG and heads of intelligence agencies and there is a clear lead. A lot of people have been arrested in terms of their financing (of terrorism). There are a number of people currently under arrest.

“Bureau de change are facilitating money to terrorists. We have already concluded with the UAE on Nigerians who are transferring money to Boko Haram terrorists and this also happens domestically.

“And I tell you that by the time we conclude this investigation, the shocking details will surprise many Nigerians.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security chiefs to “take out” the leaders and sponsors of bandits and kidnappers.

He also reiterated his call on them to bring down violence in the country within the next few weeks.

Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor and National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.) confirmed the new order after a meeting with the President on Tuesday.

Monguno told State House reporters: “Mr. President has made it very clear to both the intelligence and operational elements that the first assignment will be to identify the leaders of these bandits, kidnappers and take them out, in order to restore confidence in those areas.

“Mr. President has said that he will no longer tolerate a situation whereby bandits and kidnappers are the ones dictating the pace and setting the tone and he will not also condone a situation in which our own operations are reactionary rather than being proactive.

“He has also indicated his willingness to provide all the resources required by our own troops in order to put down these criminals. They must be brought down with all the ruthlessness that is required and whoever is working in collaboration with them will be brought to book.”