The administration of President Bola Tinubu has revealed significant progress in Nigeria's counterterrorism efforts, announcing that more than 700 individuals have been convicted and imprisoned for terrorism-related offenses across the nation.
Government Discloses Conviction Figures
This disclosure came from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement issued on Sunday, November 9. The minister was responding to renewed international scrutiny from the United States regarding Nigeria's counterterrorism record.
The minister confirmed that prosecutions of terrorism suspects are currently underway in courts across Nigeria at both state and federal levels. He specifically highlighted the role of the Special Terrorism Court, established to accelerate the prosecution of Boko Haram and other insurgency-related cases.
"The Special Court for Boko Haram cases has held more than seven sittings, securing convictions for over 700 high-profile suspects. It is now in its eighth session with trials continuing," Idris stated.
Major Terror Cases Under Prosecution
The federal government provided details about several high-profile terrorism cases currently being prosecuted. According to Minister Idris, the Department of State Services (DSS) has completed investigations into multiple major terror incidents and is now prosecuting those responsible.
These significant cases include:
- The deadly Owo Church attack in Ondo State
- The mastermind behind the Nyanya bombings near Abuja
- Suspects connected to the Yelwata massacre in Benue State
"The DSS has completed investigations and is prosecuting major cases, including the Owo Church attack, the mastermind of the Nyanya bombings, and the Yelwata attack suspects," the minister elaborated.
He further noted that the Nigeria Police Force is currently handling hundreds of terrorism cases across all states, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies remain actively engaged in counterterrorism efforts nationwide.
International Context and Response
The government's detailed disclosure comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions following recent comments by former US President Donald Trump, who designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" over alleged religious persecution.
Trump had claimed that Christian communities in Nigeria faced an "existential threat" and asserted he had directed the Pentagon to prepare "options for possible military measures."
Minister Idris firmly dismissed these allegations as misleading and unfounded, emphasizing that Nigeria does not persecute any religious group. Meanwhile, global powers including China and Russia have expressed support for Nigeria's sovereignty.
Concurrently, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called for US foreign aid to Nigeria to be conditional upon improvements in protecting religious freedom.
Commitment to Justice and Rule of Law
Reaffirming Nigeria's dedication to judicial processes, Minister Idris stated that the Attorney-General of the Federation is working closely with the judiciary to ensure speedy trials and maintain transparency in counterterrorism operations.
"The Attorney-General is providing leadership and collaborating with the judiciary to expedite trials, ensuring justice is swiftly delivered," he said.
Nigeria established the Special Terrorism Court in 2017 under the Federal High Court specifically to fast-track the prosecution of thousands of terrorism suspects, many arrested in the country's North-East region during counterinsurgency operations.
The minister also highlighted that economic crimes damaging national security, including oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism, are being vigorously prosecuted alongside terrorism cases.
Idris assured both Nigerians and the international community that the government remains steadfast in defending human rights while maintaining national security. "We are strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that those found guilty of terrorism or related crimes face justice in accordance with due process," he concluded.
