The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has arrested at least 11 suspected high-ranking members of terrorist groups in Nigeria as part of a coordinated regional operation codenamed Operation Catalyst.
According to a statement released by INTERPOL, the operation, which spanned two months, led to the arrest of 83 suspects across six African countries — Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, and South Sudan.
The crackdown focused on terrorism financing and other illegal activities supporting extremist networks. Investigators reportedly reviewed over 15,000 persons of interest and entities, uncovering $260 million traced through fiat and virtual currencies and seizing over $600,000 in the process.
“Of the 83 arrests, 21 were for terrorism-related crimes, 28 were for financial fraud and money laundering, 16 were linked to cyber-enabled scams, and 18 were related to the illicit use of virtual assets,” the statement said.
INTERPOL described the operation as a major step in disrupting terror financing networks and criminal ecosystems across Africa.