At least 11 high-ranking members of various terrorist groups have been arrested in Nigeria by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), the agency has confirmed.

The arrests were part of a wider crackdown across six African nations under the two-month-long operation code-named ‘Operation Catalyst’. In total, 83 suspects were apprehended in Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, and South Sudan.

Interpol stated that the operation targeted terrorism financing and related illicit activities, investigating over 15,000 individuals and entities. The crackdown uncovered $260 million in both fiat and virtual currencies, while over $600,000 in assets were seized.

According to Interpol, the arrests were distributed as follows: 21 individuals for terrorism-related crimes, 28 for financial fraud and money laundering, 16 linked to cyber-enabled scams, and 18 connected to illicit virtual asset activities.

The agency described the operation as a significant step in the fight against terrorism and cross-border financial crimes in Africa.