FG: Over 700 convicted for terrorism across Nigeria

FG: Over 700 convicted for terrorism across Nigeria

The Federal Government has disclosed that more than 700 individuals have been convicted and jailed for terrorism-related offences across the country, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and uphold the rule of law.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this on Sunday, revealing that the convictions followed multiple trial sessions by the Special Terrorism Court established to prosecute Boko Haram and other terror suspects.

According to him, the special court—currently in its eighth sitting—has held seven previous trial sessions, leading to hundreds of convictions involving high-profile terrorism suspects.

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

“The Special Court for Boko Haram cases has held more than seven sittings, securing convictions for over 700 suspects. It is now in its eighth session with trials continuing.”

The minister added that the Department of State Services (DSS) has completed investigations and is prosecuting key suspects linked to major terror attacks, including the Owo Church massacre, the 2014 Nyanya bombings, and the 2025 Yelwata killings in Benue and Nasarawa States.

READ ALSO:

• Man City crush Liverpool 3-0 to close in on leaders Arsenal
• Students beat Oyo teacher to death after he stopped gambling in class
• Passengers rescued after Itakpe–Warri train derails in Kogi

He said the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies were also handling several terrorism, banditry, and violent crime cases across the country.

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

Nigeria has battled a prolonged insurgency since 2009, with extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, especially in the North-East.

To strengthen judicial response, the Federal Government established a Special Terrorism Court in 2017 under the Federal High Court system to fast-track the prosecution of thousands of suspects in military and civil custody.

Some of the major cases before the court include:

• The June 5, 2022 Owo Church attack in Ondo State,
• The 2014 Nyanya bombings near Abuja, and
• The June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue and Nasarawa States.

The Owo attack left dozens of worshippers dead, while the Nyanya explosions killed over 70 people. The Yelwata clashes also resulted in numerous casualties and widespread displacement.

Meanwhile, concerns over Nigeria’s human rights and security situation have drawn renewed international attention following U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

Trump had accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians, describing their situation as an “existential threat”, and hinted that the United States could explore military options if the violence continues.

FG: Over 700 convicted for terrorism across Nigeria