TERRORISM (PREVENTION) (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2013

An Act strengthens Nigeria's counter-terrorism laws by expanding the definition of terrorism and increasing penalties for related offences. It targets individuals involved in terrorism, security agencies, and financial institutions monitoring funding. This aims to deter terrorist activities and align with international standards.

What Is This Policy?

An amendment Act that strengthens Nigeria's counter-terrorism legal framework by expanding the definition of terrorism, increasing penalties, and improving inter-agency coordination for counter-terrorism operations. Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (principal Act being amended); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act; UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001); FATF Recommendations on Counter-Terrorism Financing

Persons engaged in terrorist activities or financing terrorism The Office of the National Security Adviser Law enforcement and security agencies Banks and financial institutions monitoring terrorist financing

Who Does It Target?

Individuals suspected of, planning, or engaging in terrorism-related activities. National security and intelligence agencies responsible for counter-terrorism operations. Financial institutions required to freeze terrorist assets and report suspicious transactions. Courts adjudicating terrorism-related offences.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Strengthen Nigeria's legal tools for combating terrorism and related offences, deter terrorist financing, and align Nigeria's counter-terrorism laws with international conventions.

Key Features

Expanded Terrorism Definition: Broadens the definition of terrorist acts to include cyber-terrorism, biological, chemical, and nuclear terrorism. Terrorist Financing: Criminalises all forms of financing terrorism, including indirect support and knowingly providing financial services to terrorists. Asset Freezing: Provides for the designation and freezing of assets of terrorist organisations and individuals without prior notice. Increased Penalties: Increases penalties for terrorism offences, including life imprisonment for acts causing mass casualties.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: Nigerian public; national security architecture Funding: Federal Government

How to Access

Financial institutions must file suspicious transaction reports where terrorist financing is suspected Designated persons must not access frozen assets Reports of terrorist activity should be made to the police, DSS, or military Application method: Report terrorist threats to the State Security Service (DSS) or military.

Important Terms

Terrorism offences have no statute of limitations Persons convicted of financing terrorism face up to 20 years imprisonment Assets of designated terrorist organisations are permanently forfeited

Official Resources

Website: https://www.ansa.gov.ng Contact: Office of the National Security Adviser / State Security Service (DSS)

Legal Framework

Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (principal Act being amended); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act; UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001); FATF Recommendations on Counter-Terrorism Financing