The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria has secured 2,512 convictions in terrorism-related trials conducted across 11 phases, reaffirming its commitment to prosecuting terrorists, their sponsors and financial backers.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major-General Adamu Laka, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the 11th phase of terrorism trials.
According to Laka, the latest phase, held between October 15 and 24 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, involved 1,069 cases handled across 10 courts, resulting in 791 convictions, seven acquittals, 41 discharges, four cases struck out and three withdrawn.
He explained that the latest convictions brought the total number recorded in the first 11 phases to 2,512, compared with 1,721 convictions from the previous 10 phases.
Among the notable outcomes was the conviction and death sentence imposed on Suleiman Abu for membership of Boko Haram and involvement in attacks on military installations and civilians, which reportedly resulted in deaths and serious injuries.
Laka also disclosed that 201 terrorism financing cases were handled during the latest phase, stressing that the government was determined to dismantle the financial networks sustaining terrorist organisations.
He explained that terrorism financing enables armed groups to acquire weapons, recruit members, move personnel and carry out operational activities.
The NCTC coordinator said the government would strengthen collaboration among security agencies, financial intelligence institutions, investigators and prosecutors to identify and prosecute individuals and organisations providing support to terrorist groups.
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Meanwhile, the Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, warned that individuals and organisations could face prosecution for knowingly supporting terrorism, even without directly participating in attacks.
He cited provisions of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, which criminalises terrorism financing, facilitating terrorist activities and providing support to terrorist organisations.
Mijinyawa noted that the law prescribes a minimum 20-year prison sentence for certain forms of support to terrorism, while companies found to have received terrorist financing could face fines of up to ₦200 million.
The Director of Public Prosecution at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Rotimi Oyedepo, maintained that the government would not prosecute individuals without sufficient evidence, emphasising the importance of fair hearing and constitutional rights.
He added that individuals who were not indicted after investigations could be recommended for release, rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Laka reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to sustain counter-terrorism efforts through security operations, prosecution, prevention and cooperation among relevant institutions.
He also called for continued support for victims and survivors of terrorism, including psychological assistance, rehabilitation, access to justice and the restoration of affected communities.
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