Former Sector Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Major General Anthony Atolagbe (retd.), has alleged that Boko Haram continues to enjoy strong financial and logistical support from individuals and groups both within and outside Nigeria, warning that defeating terrorism will require greater international cooperation.
The retired Army officer made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on *Prime Time*, a programme aired by Arise Television, where he spoke on the challenges facing Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry.
According to Atolagbe, the activities of Boko Haram and other armed groups are sustained by what he described as “mega sponsorship,” suggesting that the level of support available to the terrorists goes beyond what many Nigerians may imagine.
“There is a mega sponsorship for Boko Haram from within and outside Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the issue of terrorism financing should receive greater attention, noting that the people behind the funding are believed to be operating across different countries.
“If we are to now digress and go into that particular area, we should now be thinking about where they are being funded,” he said.
“And then, when you talk about people being funded, certainly we are talking about something bigger than what we can just imagine. So, they are not only in Nigeria.”
Atolagbe said security agencies had already identified some individuals linked to the sponsorship of terrorist activities, adding that the support network extends beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“A lot of people have been identified, and we now see a mega kind of sponsorship that is being carried out by these people,” he stated.
The retired general also pointed to the communication equipment allegedly used by terrorists, saying it raises questions about how such devices get into their hands.
He cited the use of Starlink satellite internet devices by bandits and terrorists, suggesting that some of the equipment may have been brought into Nigeria from abroad rather than purchased locally.
“What actually is happening is that I just gave you an example of the Starlink. They might not even have been procured in Nigeria, but brought in from outside and then distributed to them so that they can use them for communication,” he said.
According to him, the use of advanced communication technology by armed groups shows that the threat has become more organised and requires a coordinated international response.
He stressed that terrorism and banditry are no longer problems that can be addressed by one country alone, saying they have developed into regional and global security challenges.
Atolagbe called for stronger collaboration among Nigeria, neighbouring countries and international organisations to tackle the growing security threat.
He said the United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States should continue to work closely with affected countries in the fight against terrorism.
“We are talking about a counter-terror action that is being led by the UN, keyed into by AU, by ECOWAS, and all the other countries that are finding themselves under this kind of terror situation also have to key in so that everyone can work in collaboration, and then you can find a lasting solution to the problem,” he said.
His comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to battle insurgency in the North-East and widespread banditry across parts of the North-West and North-Central.
Although Boko Haram has suffered major military offensives over the years, the group and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have continued to launch attacks on military formations and civilian communities.
Bandit groups have also intensified attacks in several states, carrying out kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and deadly raids on villages. Security experts have repeatedly warned that criminal groups are becoming more sophisticated in their operations, using modern communication equipment and weapons.
In recent years, Nigerian security agencies have arrested and prosecuted several individuals accused of financing terrorism. The Federal Government has also worked with international partners to strengthen intelligence sharing, monitor financial transactions and disrupt the funding networks of extremist groups.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain over the ability of terrorist organisations to recruit fighters, acquire weapons and maintain communication systems.
Atolagbe’s remarks add to the growing calls for stronger regional and international cooperation, especially given the movement of terrorists and weapons across porous borders in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider West African region.
Nigeria has participated in joint military operations with neighbouring countries under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), comprising troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic. The force has recorded successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP, but security experts say sustained intelligence sharing and coordinated action are needed to achieve lasting peace.
The retired Army chief maintained that the fight against terrorism cannot succeed through military force alone if the financial and logistical networks supporting extremist groups remain intact.
He urged governments, regional organisations and international partners to deepen collaboration in identifying sponsors, blocking funding channels and preventing the supply of communication equipment and other resources used by terrorists.