FG reports 860 terrorism convictions in eight years

By : Guardian Nigeria

Date: 11 December 2025 3:42pm WAT

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) dealt a heavy blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) by eliminating scores of the members of the terrorist group

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) dealt a heavy blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) by eliminating scores of the members of the terrorist group

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

Fagbemi, who spoke in Abuja on Tuesday after a meeting with United States officials, added that 891 suspects were discharged within the same period. He said the figures reflect adherence to due process in the prosecution of terrorism cases.

He met with the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Riley M. Barnes, and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr. The officials did not speak with journalists.

Fagbemi said the meeting formed part of ongoing discussions on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts. “It is about the issue of terrorism that is going on in the country, and to afford us the opportunity to explain our own side of the story,” he said.

The minister insisted that the security situation in the country is not driven by religion. “We have security challenges, and the government is doing its utmost to ensure that these challenges are addressed,” he said.

Fagbemi stated that terrorism trials are still ongoing. “As of today, that is from 2017 to 2025, we have secured 860 convictions and 891 acquittals,” he said, adding that the acquittals demonstrate that suspects are not detained arbitrarily.

“We follow due process. They are profiled. Those who have nothing to do with it are left off the hook. Those whom we believe we have cases against, we take them to court. It is for the court to decide,” he said.

He noted that the US delegation has also met other security and governance institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

Fagbemi maintained that challenges exist but said: “Things are not as heinous as people are portraying. I can assure you of that. We have problems in Nigeria. It is not a problem of religion.”

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