Experts Alert: Organized Crime Reinforces Terror Networks in Africa

Security analysts, terrorism experts, and current and former intelligence operatives have warned that terrorist groups and organized crime syndicates are converging in Africa. However, international support to combat this threat is declining, and government policies on the continent are either non-existent or poor. Martin Ewi, the coordinator of the Organised Crime Observatory at the Institute for Security Studies, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the nexus between terrorism and organized crime in Africa. He argues that while there is significant support for addressing the conflict in Ukraine, the world must not ignore the threat posed by this convergence.

According to Ewi, jihadists have been operating in Africa since the 1990s and their numbers have increased significantly since the 9/11 attacks. He explains that terrorists in Africa have adopted Osama bin Laden’s approach, which relied heavily on funding and preparation through organized crime channels. Ewi notes that for terrorists, the financial gain from organized crime serves as a means to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals, not just for profit. He highlights the findings of the 9/11 Commission, which revealed that the attacks relied on organized crime channels for various aspects, including funding and procurement.

Jeannine Ella Abatan, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, adds that African-based terror groups continue to be inspired by 9/11. These groups, including al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, are heavily involved in organized crime. They engage in drug and weapon smuggling, human trafficking, extortion, livestock theft, and illegal mining.

Despite the growing convergence between terrorists and crime groups, African governments’ policy responses remain weak. Ewi argues that governments should coordinate and integrate strategies to combat both organized crime and terrorism rather than treating them as isolated issues. He warns that without proper action, Africa could experience catastrophic attacks similar to those that occurred in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998.

Abatan further highlights that African governments often fail to address the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and lack of development. She also points out that extremist groups forge alliances with criminals involved in illegal activities, allowing them to secure resources and expand their operations. For instance, in Benin, extremist groups collaborate with fuel smugglers, drug traffickers, and illegal hunters.

In Nigeria, terror organizations like Boko Haram have formed strong bonds with bandit groups involved in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and the illegal possession of firearms. These groups also recruit women for gunrunning. Oluwole Ojewale, a security analyst, highlights the increase in illegal arms movements and sales involving women traffickers in the north-west of Nigeria.

According to former Nigerian information minister Lai Mohammed, the majority of weapons used in terrorism and kidnapping in the country come from Libya and other war-torn sub-Saharan African states. He emphasizes the need to address the porous borders and weak border management contributing to the trafficking of weapons and other illicit activities.

Overall, experts stress that Africa must develop comprehensive strategies that integrate efforts against organized crime and terrorism. They also emphasize the importance of international support to effectively combat this growing threat.



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