Terrorists Now Using Crowdfunding Networks to Raise Funds, Nigerian Report Finds

Terrorist and extremist organizations are increasingly leveraging crowdfunding networks to finance their criminal operations, a new report reveals. The 2026 Annual Nigeria Financial Intelligence Report, published by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), highlights a disturbing trend in how illicit funds are being raised.

The report indicates that terrorist financiers are actively seeking new avenues to move money, including opening bank accounts under women's names. They are also utilizing phone numbers associated with mobile money services to facilitate transactions, making it more challenging for authorities to track financial flows.

This shift towards alternative funding methods underscores the adaptability of terrorist groups in circumventing traditional financial surveillance. The NFIU's findings point to a growing need for enhanced monitoring of digital and non-traditional financial platforms to combat the financing of terrorism effectively.