By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigeria’s banking sector to intensify efforts aimed at disrupting terrorism financing and other illicit financial activities that fuel insecurity across the country.
According to an official signed statement by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS made the call on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr Oliver Alawuba, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the financial sector as a vital partner in national security, stressing that banks have a critical role to play in identifying and blocking financial transactions linked to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of organized crime.
The Army Chief urged Mr Alawuba, who also serves as Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs, to spearhead industry-wide efforts to strengthen financial surveillance systems and intelligence-sharing mechanisms capable of detecting suspicious transactions and dismantling the financial networks that sustain criminal groups.
He noted that cutting off the financial lifelines of terrorist and criminal organizations remains a key component of Nigeria’s broader counter-terrorism and internal security strategy.
The COAS also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel, describing it as essential to operational effectiveness and force readiness. He disclosed that the Army is collaborating with UBA on the development of structured mortgage schemes and other housing initiatives designed to expand homeownership opportunities for serving and retired personnel.
According to him, the proposed partnership will complement ongoing efforts to renew and improve military barracks infrastructure across the country.
In his remarks, Mr Alawuba reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army through innovative financial solutions tailored to the needs of military personnel. He pledged the bank’s support for mortgage financing programmes, military infrastructure development projects, and welfare initiatives.
The UBA chief further assured the Army of the bank’s readiness to facilitate efficient financial services for Nigerian troops participating in international peace support operations.
The meeting underscored the growing collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the financial sector in addressing national security challenges while advancing welfare programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of military personnel.
