FG confirms 700 jailed for terrorism

The Federal Government has disclosed that more than 700 individuals have been convicted and jailed for terrorism-related offences across Nigeria, with several other prosecutions currently underway.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in response to a question from The PUNCH on the number of convicted terrorists.

 In response to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump, the information minister had last week disclosed that 17,000 terrorists were in custody.

 He denied the allegations that Christians were being persecuted in Nigeria.

 Idris explained to our correspondent on Sunday that the Special Court established for Boko Haram cases had already held more than seven sittings, during which over 700 high-profile suspects were convicted.

 The court, now in its eighth session, continues to hear new cases as part of efforts to strengthen the rule of law in counterterrorism operations.

 “Prosecutions of terrorism suspects are underway in courts across Nigeria – at both state and federal levels in Abuja,” the minister said.

 “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.”

 He added that the Department of State Services had concluded investigations and is prosecuting major cases, including the Owo Church attack, the mastermind of the Nyanya bombings, and the Yelwata attack suspects, alongside individuals involved in other terror incidents.

 Idris further noted that the Nigeria Police Force is handling hundreds of cases across all states, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies are actively engaged in similar prosecutions nationwide.

He also stated that economic crimes such as oil bunkering, theft, and pipeline vandalism are being diligently prosecuted in various courts.

 The minister further explained that the Attorney-General of the Federation is providing leadership to all government institutions and collaborating with the judiciary to expedite trials, ensuring justice is swiftly delivered.

 “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, as well as counter reprisal suspects.

 “Police are currently trying hundreds of cases across all states, while the NSCDC and other agencies are also active nationwide.

 “Economic crimes suspects such as oil bunkering, theft and vandalisation are being prosecuted throughout the country.

 “The Attorney General of the Federation is providing leadership to all government institutions and collaborating with the judiciary to expedite trials, ensuring justice is swiftly delivered,” he said.

 Nigeria has grappled with severe security challenges over the past decade, particularly from insurgent groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Since 2009, their attacks have claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, especially in the North-East region.

 To address the crisis, the Federal Government established a Special Terrorism Court in 2017 under the Federal High Court to fast-track the prosecution of thousands of terrorism suspects.

 Some of the major cases currently before the court include suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 Owo Church attack in Ondo State, the 2014 Nyanya bombings near Abuja, and the June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State.

 The Owo Church attack left dozens of worshippers dead, while the Nyanya bombings claimed more than 70 lives.

 The Yelwata incident in Nasarawa State involved violent clashes that resulted in several deaths and widespread displacement.

 Beyond insurgency, the country continues to battle other forms of insecurity, including banditry in the North-West, communal clashes in the North-Central, separatist unrest in the South-East, and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

 Idris said the government was intensifying joint operations and coordinated prosecutions to curb these crimes.

 Meanwhile, the US designation has stirred international attention after US President Donald Trump claimed that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.

 Trump wrote on October 31 that “thousands of Christians are being killed” and announced Nigeria’s designation as a “country of particular concern.”

 He also said he had directed the Pentagon to draft “options for possible military measures” to protect Christian communities in Nigeria.

 Global powers such as China and Russia have since expressed support for Nigeria, urging Washington to respect the nation’s sovereignty as FG continues its efforts to restore peace and security across all regions.

 However, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has called for American foreign assistance to Nigeria to be tied to the country’s progress in addressing violations of religious freedom.

 When asked if the commission would push for an arms embargo as part of executive actions against Nigeria, USCIRF Chairman told The PUNCH on Sunday, “USCIRF has consistently called for foreign assistance to Nigeria to be conditioned on demonstrated progress tackling the government’s engaging in and tolerating egregious violations of religious freedom.”

 He added, “We call on the US Government to take actions available to it under the International Religious Freedom Act. The particular form of such conditioning, and on what types of foreign assistance, should be considered by the Administration and relevant US authorities.”

 The chairman emphasised that the ultimate aim is to support Nigeria in protecting vulnerable populations.

 “The goal should be to help Nigeria develop a proactive plan to protect the vulnerable, repeal blasphemy laws, hold perpetrators accountable, and rescue hostages,” he said. (Punch)