In a chilling development, terrorists, locally known as bandits, operating in Zamfara State, Nigeria, have started receiving ransom payments via bank electronic transfers, a method previously unheard of in the region. On October 3, 2024, it was revealed that some of the bandits received a ransom of N2 million through a Moniepoint virtual bank account, signaling a new level of sophistication in their operations.
The incident came to light when a conflict journalist, Bakatsine, reported on his X (formerly Twitter) handle that N2 million was transferred to a Palmpay account, number 7026353728, owned by Musa Muhammad, believed to be one of the notorious bandits. This transaction took place in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The bandits, after receiving the initial transfer, reportedly demanded further payments in cash to be delivered to a specified location.
The method of using virtual bank accounts for ransom collection is raising concerns about how criminals are leveraging technology to evade law enforcement. This development points to the increasing integration of financial technology into criminal enterprises, complicating efforts to track and arrest these dangerous groups.
The rising trend of electronic ransom payments highlights the need for stronger banking regulations and improved cybersecurity to curb the financing of terrorism in Nigeria’s troubled Northwest region. It also underscores the growing complexities that authorities face as bandits adapt new tactics to continue their reign of terror.
This incident has raised alarms about the use of banking technology by terrorists and bandits, further fueling concerns about security in Nigeria’s Northern states. As authorities continue to investigate, the situation emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat the evolving strategies of these criminals.
Peoplesmind