FG Secures 860 Terrorism Convictions Since 2017, Says AGF After Meeting US Lawmakers

The Federal Government has secured 860 convictions in terrorism cases between 2017 and 2025, according to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Fagbemi revealed the figures in Abuja while briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting with a visiting US Congressman and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr. He added that 891 suspects were discharged within the same period.

The minister said the statistics reflect the government’s commitment to due process as it continues efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism nationwide.

Fagbemi also addressed concerns raised internationally about Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting they are not driven by religious motives.

The meeting with the US delegation was part of the Federal Government’s engagement to clarify the country’s security realities amid growing foreign criticism. In October, former US President Donald Trump had designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over allegations of targeted attacks on Christians.

Fagbemi explained that all terrorism suspects undergo profiling to determine their level of involvement before prosecution.

“Those who have nothing to do with it are released, while those we believe have questions to answer are taken to court. It is the court that decides their fate and we comply fully with all judgments,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to avoid amplifying the nation’s security issues in ways that worsen public fear or misrepresent the situation.