The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria has secured 2,512 convictions across 11 phases of terrorism trials, as security authorities intensify efforts to prosecute individuals and organisations accused of financing or supporting terrorist activities.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) disclosed that 791 convictions were recorded during the latest round of proceedings, reflecting continued efforts to address terrorism through the criminal justice system.
The National Coordinator of the centre, Major-General Adamu Laka, announced the figures during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3.
According to Laka, the latest proceedings took place at the Federal High Court in Abuja between October 15 and 24, 2026, with 10 courts handling more than 1,000 cases.
The coordinator said the results demonstrated the government’s determination to hold individuals accountable for terrorism-related offences while maintaining judicial safeguards.
He stressed that criminal proceedings must be conducted fairly, with courts independently evaluating the evidence presented in each case.
Boko Haram Member Sentenced to Death
Among the cases highlighted by the NCTC was the conviction of Suleiman Abu, who received a death sentence following proceedings involving his membership of Boko Haram and participation in violent attacks.
According to Laka, the offences involved assaults on military facilities and civilians that resulted in deaths and serious injuries.
He said the judgment illustrated the consequences of terrorism-related offences when criminal responsibility is established through the courts.
However, the NCTC coordinator emphasised that all judicial decisions, including sentences imposed in serious cases, must comply with constitutional requirements and established legal procedures.
Government Targets Terrorism Financing Networks
The Federal Government is also expanding its focus on the financial and logistical networks that sustain terrorist organisations.
Laka disclosed that 201 terrorism financing cases were handled during the latest trial phase.
He explained that financial support enables terrorist groups to acquire weapons, recruit members, move personnel and maintain their operations.
The government, he said, would strengthen cooperation among investigators, prosecutors, financial intelligence agencies and security institutions to identify and disrupt these networks.
The approach is intended to address not only individuals who carry out attacks but also those who knowingly provide the resources that make such activities possible.
Terrorism Collaborators Risk Lengthy Prison Sentences
The Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zakari Mijinyawa, warned that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism legislation covers a wide range of activities beyond direct involvement in violent attacks.
He explained that the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, criminalises several forms of assistance to terrorist groups, including financing, facilitation and certain preparatory activities.
According to Mijinyawa, individuals who knowingly provide prohibited support to terrorist organisations may face prosecution even when their assistance is not directly linked to a completed attack.
He cited offences involving the provision of support and property to terrorists, explaining that some violations carry substantial prison sentences.
Mijinyawa also referred to financial penalties that could apply to corporate organisations implicated in terrorism financing.
He encouraged Nigerians, particularly journalists and other public stakeholders, to understand the provisions of the law and the legal consequences of supporting terrorist activities.
Prosecutors Insist Terrorism Suspects Must Receive Fair Trials
The Director of Public Prosecutions at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the government remained committed to prosecuting only cases supported by sufficient evidence.
Oyedepo disclosed that approximately 1,047 charges were filed during the latest phase of the trials.
He explained that prosecutors work with investigative agencies and other institutions to examine case files before proceeding to court.
Where evidence is inadequate, he said, cases are subjected to further legal review rather than automatically resulting in prosecution.
The director maintained that individuals who are not indicted after investigations may be recommended for release and appropriate rehabilitation.
He also emphasised that the judiciary retains responsibility for determining whether the prosecution has proved its allegations to the required legal standard.
Legal Aid Council Provides Representation for Defendants
Authorities also addressed concerns about access to legal representation during terrorism proceedings.
Oyedepo said defendants were provided opportunities to obtain legal assistance, including representation through the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
He added that accused persons could engage private legal practitioners and that international organisations, civil society groups and diplomatic representatives were invited to observe proceedings.
Hassan Dauda, Technical Assistant to the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, provided further details about arrangements for defendants.
According to Dauda, legal teams visited detention facilities in Kainji and Maiduguri to meet detainees, review their circumstances and prepare for court proceedings.
He said these consultations were particularly important in serious criminal cases where defendants could face severe penalties.
Government Addresses Wrongful Prosecution and Defendants’ Rights
Oyedepo also discussed legal remedies available to individuals whose constitutional rights may have been violated during investigations or prosecutions.
He explained that Nigerian law provides avenues for seeking judicial remedies, including compensation or other relief where a court finds that rights have been infringed.
The prosecution authorities maintained that the objective of the terrorism trials was not simply to obtain convictions but to ensure that allegations were examined according to the law.
Laka similarly acknowledged that acquittals and discharges form an important part of a credible justice system.
He said respect for due process and judicial independence must remain central to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
NCTC Calls for Greater Support for Terrorism Victims
Beyond criminal prosecutions, the NCTC coordinator called for stronger support for victims and survivors of terrorist violence.
He identified psychological care, rehabilitation, access to justice and community recovery as important components of the country’s security response.
Laka also stressed the need to protect witnesses and victims from intimidation and reprisals.
He said effective witness protection would help individuals participate safely in investigations and court proceedings.
The coordinator credited cooperation among the Federal High Court, the Ministry of Justice, defence lawyers, security agencies and the Legal Aid Council for the conduct of the trials.
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Laka, the Federal Government will continue combining security operations, criminal prosecutions, preventive measures and institutional cooperation in its efforts to address terrorism.
The broader objective, he said, remains protecting lives, supporting affected communities and safeguarding fundamental rights.
