Retired General Raises Alarm Over Alleged Local and Foreign Funding of Boko Haram

Retired Major General Anthony Atolagbe, a former Sector Commander of Operation Safe Haven, has alleged that Boko Haram continues to benefit from substantial financial support originating both within Nigeria and from outside the country.

Atolagbe made the claim while speaking on security challenges confronting Nigeria, stressing that the scale of support available to terrorist groups requires closer scrutiny and stronger intelligence efforts.

According to reports of his remarks, the retired general described the alleged backing as a “mega sponsorship” network operating domestically and internationally. He also raised concerns about the evolving technological capabilities available to terrorist and criminal groups, including the reported use of satellite-based communication systems.

The former military commander argued that Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy must go beyond kinetic operations to address the financial, logistical and technological networks that sustain terrorist organisations.

His comments come amid continuing security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and its splinter groups have remained a threat despite years of military operations and regional counterterrorism efforts.

Atolagbe’s allegation of extensive sponsorship underscores the importance of tracing the sources of terrorist financing and disrupting the networks that provide funding, equipment, intelligence and other forms of support.

However, the claim of large-scale sponsorship from unnamed domestic and foreign sources would require further investigation and corroboration by relevant security and intelligence authorities.

The retired general’s warning adds to the growing debate over the changing nature of terrorism in Nigeria and the need for a comprehensive response combining intelligence gathering, border security, financial monitoring, technology regulation and coordinated military operations.