FG Secures Over 700 Terrorism Convictions as US Flags Nigeria on Religious Freedom Concerns

The Federal Government has announced that more than 700 individuals have been convicted and imprisoned for terrorism-related offences across the country, with several other prosecutions currently ongoing.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in response to questions from The PUNCH regarding the number of convicted terrorists in Nigeria.

He stated that the Special Terrorism Court established for Boko Haram-related cases has held over seven sessions, securing convictions for more than 700 high-profile suspects. The court, now in its eighth session, continues to hear new cases as part of efforts to reinforce the rule of law in counterterrorism operations.

“Prosecutions of terrorism suspects are ongoing in courts across Nigeria—at both state and federal levels in Abuja,” Idris said.

According to him, the Department of State Services (DSS) has concluded investigations into major terrorism cases, including the Owo Church attack, the Nyanya bombing mastermind, and the Yelwata massacre suspects. He added that the Nigeria Police Force is currently handling hundreds of terrorism and related cases nationwide, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies are also actively prosecuting similar offences.

Idris further noted that the government is also pursuing cases involving economic crimes such as oil bunkering, theft, and pipeline vandalism. He said the Attorney-General of the Federation is coordinating efforts with the judiciary to accelerate trials and ensure swift justice delivery.

Nigeria has battled severe security challenges for over a decade, primarily from insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Their attacks have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, particularly in the North-East region.

To address the crisis, the Federal Government established a Special Terrorism Court in 2017 under the Federal High Court to fast-track trials of thousands of terrorism suspects. Some notable cases before the court include the 2022 Owo Church massacre in Ondo State, the 2014 Nyanya bombings near Abuja, and the 2025 Yelwata killings in Benue State.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s recent designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by former US President Donald Trump has sparked international debate. Trump alleged that Christians in Nigeria face an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups and called for potential US military measures to protect Christian communities.

In response, China and Russia have expressed support for Nigeria, urging the United States to respect the country’s sovereignty as the Federal Government continues efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.

However, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended conditioning US foreign assistance to Nigeria on tangible progress in addressing religious freedom violations.

USCIRF Chairman said, “The goal is to help Nigeria protect vulnerable populations, repeal blasphemy laws, hold perpetrators accountable, and rescue hostages.”

Despite the external scrutiny, Idris maintained that there is no persecution of Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing that the government remains focused on strengthening justice, security, and national unity.