Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Yaminu Musa, has said the proceeds of kidnapping are being used to partly finance terrorism.
Musa disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, during the anti-kidnap multi-agency fusion cell media and communication workshop, organised by ONSA, in collaboration with the British High Commission.
He said, Kidnapping for ransom is also identified as one of the means of funding terrorism.Thus, carnage unleashed by kidnappers in affiliation with terrorist groups all over the world leading to loss and disruption of lives and properties, is a major concern. Hence the need for collective efforts in advancing measures to check the threat.
He added that the menace required concerted and sustained efforts by every citizen, government at all levels, the international community and the media.
The Programme Manager of the National Crime Agency UK, Chris Grimson, said the workshop was a fallout of a number of agreements between Nigeria and the UK to create a multi-agency kidnap fusion cell.
The coordinator said it was vital that the government and the media work together to establish a framework of synergy and standardisation for reporting on security-related matters. He said that such collaboration would not only enhance the accuracy and quality of news reporting but also contribute to national security.
