The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on Nigeria’s banking sector to play a more active role in combating terrorism financing and other illicit financial activities that fuel insecurity across the country.
The Army Chief made the call while receiving the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Oliver Alawuba, and his delegation at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu described financial institutions as vital partners in the nation’s security architecture and urged closer collaboration between banks and security agencies.
He noted that enhanced financial intelligence and timely detection of suspicious transactions could help security agencies identify and dismantle networks involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and organised crime.
The COAS emphasised that cutting off the financial resources of criminal groups remains a critical strategy in ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
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Beyond security concerns, Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the welfare of military personnel as a major priority, revealing plans for collaboration between the Nigerian Army and UBA on mortgage financing and housing schemes for both serving and retired personnel.
He said the initiative would complement ongoing efforts to improve living conditions within military communities and provide sustainable housing opportunities for members of the Armed Forces.
In response, the UBA delegation reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army through specialised financial solutions, including mortgage facilities, infrastructure development and welfare-oriented programmes.
The bank also pledged continued support for military personnel deployed on international peace support missions by enhancing their access to financial services and banking solutions.
The meeting underscored the growing partnership between the Nigerian Army and the banking sector in advancing national security objectives and improving the welfare of military personnel.
