Interpol’s Operation Jackal III Deals Significant Setback to Nigeria’s Black Axe Criminal Network

Interpol’s Operation Jackal III has successfully targeted Nigeria’s Black Axe, resulting in the arrest of 300 associates across 21 countries and the seizure of $3 million in illegal assets. Despite these efforts, experts highlight that the group remains a formidable international threat due to its sophisticated use of technology and socio-economic conditions in Nigeria that foster recruitment into criminal syndicates.

In a concerted international effort, Global policing agency Interpol has successfully launched Operation Jackal III, an extensive initiative aimed at dismantling the notorious Nigerian criminal organization known as Black Axe. From April to July 2024, police units across 21 countries conducted a series of strategic raids, leading to the arrest of approximately 300 individuals linked to the Black Axe and its associated criminal affiliates. Interpol characterized this operation as a significant setback for the Black Axe network; however, it cautioned that the group’s global presence and adept use of technology means it continues to pose a severe threat. A poignant example emerged when Canadian authorities unveiled a staggering money-laundering scheme tied to Black Axe, associated with over $5 billion (£3.8 billion) in illicit finances back in 2017. Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, emphasized the highly organized and structured nature of the Black Axe operation, noting that recent advancements in money-transferring technologies and cryptocurrencies have enabled the syndicate to thrive in illicit activities, particularly online scams. Operation Jackal III was the culmination of years of preparation and resulted in the seizure of $3 million in illegal assets and the freezing of over 700 bank accounts. It is notable that many members of Black Axe are university educated and often recruited during their academic years, contributing to the organization’s extensive operations that span trafficking, prostitution, and cybercrime, which remains its largest revenue stream. Since 2022, various ‘Jackal’ operations have systematically targeted Black Axe, leading to multiple arrests and the confiscation of critical technological devices. This collaborative enforcement strategy has enabled Interpol to amass a comprehensive intelligence database available to law enforcement agencies across its 196 member nations. Mr. Kaya stated that collating findings from participating countries is crucial for building a clearer picture of the group’s operational methods. Nonetheless, some experts have expressed concerns that measures taken against Black Axe focus excessively on enforcement rather than addressing the root causes of these crime syndicates in West Africa. Dr. Oluwole Ojewale, from the Institute for Security Studies, advocated for a preventative approach to these criminal networks. He remarked on the broader socio-economic context in Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, thus creating fertile ground for recruitment into gangs like Black Axe. While Interpol has initiated training programs with Nigerian officials to enhance their capabilities in tackling organized crime, issues of corruption and alleged complicity between local authorities and criminal elements persist. Dr. Ojewale raised concerns about politicians allegedly equipping these criminal factions, highlighting the essential need for governance reforms to deter individuals from joining such groups. The operational roots of Interpol’s Jackal campaigns trace back to Ireland, where initial raids by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau in 2020 resulted in several arrests and uncovered a wider network linked to Black Axe. Michael Cryan, the detective superintendent overseeing the Irish operations, acknowledged the complexities of modern crime, where sophisticated cyber activities have replaced traditional methods of theft. Recent operations have revealed the critical role of cryptocurrency in Black Axe’s operations, with significant seizures indicative of the group’s adaptability. Interpol has responded by employing technology to counteract these innovations, launching the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system (I-GRIP) to facilitate swift action against cross-border scams. Mr. Kaya concluded by stressing the importance of intelligence sharing and data collection as means to effectively combat criminal organizations like Black Axe.

Black Axe, a prominent West African criminal network originating in Nigeria, is notorious for engaging in various illicit activities including trafficking, prostitution, and cyber fraud. With a significant global reach and sophisticated technological capabilities, the group has been implicated in a multitude of cyber-enabled financial crimes. Recent reports indicate that such syndicates are responsible for a major share of financial fraud worldwide. Efforts to combat these organizations have involved international collaboration, culminating in large-scale operations such as Interpol’s Operation Jackal III. Despite the ongoing enforcement efforts, socio-economic challenges in Nigeria continue to contribute to the recruitment and persistence of organizations like Black Axe.

In summary, Operation Jackal III represents a substantial collective effort by international law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle the Black Axe mafia. While significant arrests and seizures have been achieved, the persistent socio-economic factors and corruption in Nigeria underscore the complexities of fully eradicating such criminal networks. Continued collaboration, intelligence sharing, and a focus on prevention are vital for addressing the root causes of organized crime in the region and diminishing the threats posed by groups like Black Axe.

Original Source: www.bbc.com