LunagisthubTrump Disbands Elite Team Tracing Abacha’s Loot, Nigeria’s Recovery Efforts Hit a Snag
In a shocking move, U.S. President Donald Trump has disbanded the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, a specialized team within the Department of Justice (DOJ) tasked with tracing and recovering billions of dollars in assets looted by Nigeria’s late military Head of State, Sani Abacha ¹.
The team, which was quietly dismantled by the newly appointed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, was responsible for tracking down and recovering Abacha’s ill-gotten gains, estimated to be in the multibillions. This move is a significant blow to Nigeria’s efforts to recover the looted funds.
Sani Abacha’s regime, which lasted from 1993 to 1998, was notorious for its corruption and human rights abuses. Abacha’s government was responsible for the theft of billions of dollars in public funds, which were laundered and hidden away in foreign bank accounts ².
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative was a crucial part of the international effort to track down and recover Abacha’s looted assets. The team’s disbandment raises concerns about the future of these recovery efforts and the impact on Nigeria’s economy.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the legacy of Abacha’s corruption, the disbandment of this elite team is a significant setback. It remains to be seen how this move will affect the country’s efforts to recover its stolen wealth.
Lunagisthub
