The International Criminal Police Organisation, Interpol, has arrested 11 suspected high-ranking members of various terrorist groups operating in Nigeria. These arrests were part of a broader initiative called ‘Operation Catalyst,’ which targeted terrorism financing and related criminal activities across six African countries: Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Sudan.
During the two-month operation conducted between July and September 2025, Interpol and its African partner organization AFRIPOL investigated and scrutinized over 15,000 individuals and entities. The operation led to a total of 83 arrests, including 21 for terrorism-related offenses. The Nigerian suspects constitute a significant part of these arrests, highlighting the country's ongoing struggle with terrorism.
The investigations uncovered approximately $260 million in fiat and virtual currencies linked to terrorism-related activities, alongside the seizure of more than $600,000 in cash. Authorities also froze 60 bank accounts, inspected 30 commercial establishments, and confiscated numerous mobile phones and computers used in criminal networks.
Interpol Secretary-General Valdecy Urquiza described "Operation Catalyst" as a milestone collaboration integrating financial crime, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism efforts. This unified approach is seen as essential in dismantling the complex financial networks sustaining terrorist activities in the region.
The arrests signify a substantial step forward in the fight against terrorism financing, which involves interwoven illicit activities such as fraud, money laundering, kidnapping for ransom, online scams, and the misuse of virtual assets. This collective effort between African nations and global law enforcement underscores the commitment to weakening the support systems enabling terrorism.
Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja plays a critical role in coordinating international investigations and facilitating intelligence-sharing in Nigeria. The bureau frequently collaborates with national agencies including the EFCC, NDLEA, NAPTIP, and others in combating criminal enterprises impacting national and regional security.
This landmark operation marks one of the most comprehensive efforts in Africa to target the financial lifelines of terrorist groups, aiming to disrupt their operations and enhance regional stability.