By Sadiq Umar
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday disclosed that the government has discovered specific banks and countries where some of the looted funds taken abroad by official are being lodged.
United States President Barack Obama had assured of his country’s commitment to helping Nigeria recover her looted monies that are banked in U.S. and other affiliate countries.
Buhari said Monday that his administration has been able to trace the loots to specific banks and countries, with the support and cooperation of the international community who assisted with the needed intelligence.
The President who spoke during a visit by some United States Congressmen at the State House in Abuja, expressed appreciation to U.S. and the international community for the support and cooperation given his administration.
According to him, Nigeria also could trace stolen crude to destinations where the ill-gotten resources are being taken to because of the assistance from the countries.
“We are getting cooperation from the international community, including information on ships that take crude oil from Nigeria and change direction, or pour their contents into other ships mid-stream,” he said.
“Some monies were paid to individual accounts. We are identifying the financial institutions and countries that are involved,” Buhari added.
He said he got the assurances of the United States among other countries who are supporting this effort that documents would be made available to facilitate the recovery of the monies.
“I have been assured that when we get all our documents together, the United States and other countries will treat our case with sympathy.”
The President promised the U.S. lawmakers that his administration will encourage more regular meetings of the Nigeria-United States Bi-National Commission, stressing that such would help to deepen bilateral trade and economic relations as well as joint cooperation in the war against terror.
Leader of the delegation, Rep. Darrel Issa assured President Buhari that the United States will support Nigeria against Boko Haram by providing training, intelligence and military platforms.
He said the U.S. would also consider relaxing her stance on weapon sale to Nigeria.
“We look forward to helping you in many ways to end the Boko Haram insurgency and the theft of crude oil in the Gulf of Guinea,” Darrel assured.
