Counterterrorism: Nigeria Obtains 860 Convictions, Releases 891 Suspects — Fagbemi

Counterterrorism: Nigeria Obtains 860 Convictions, Releases 891 Suspects — Fagbemi

Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has revealed that the country secured 860 terrorism convictions between 2017 and 2025, underscoring the government’s adherence to due process in its counterterrorism efforts. He made the disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with senior United States officials, including the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Riley M. Barnes, and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

Fagbemi noted that within the same period, 891 terrorism suspects were acquitted, a figure he said reflects Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law. According to him, only individuals against whom credible evidence exists are prosecuted, while others are released after proper profiling.

The Abuja meeting was a continuation of earlier engagements in Washington, focused on Nigeria’s judicial processes and the ongoing prosecution of individuals linked to extremist activities. The AGF emphasised that the country’s security challenges are not religiously driven, adding that the government is intensifying efforts to tackle them.

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Fagbemi explained that the Federal Ministry of Justice maintains transparent oversight of terrorism trials, ensuring fairness and legal compliance. “As of today, from 2017 to 2025, we have secured 860 convictions and 891 acquittals,” he said, reiterating that the high number of discharges demonstrates Nigeria’s respect for constitutional rights and judicial integrity.

He also disclosed that US officials have been meeting with various Nigerian bodies—among them the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff, civil society groups, and religious organisations—as part of their broader security assessment.

The AGF dismissed reports exaggerating Nigeria’s security situation, insisting that the government is addressing the challenges lawfully, transparently, and responsibly as part of its ongoing counterterrorism strategy.

Counterterrorism: Nigeria Obtains 860 Convictions, Releases 891 Suspects — Fagbemi