FG Fast-Tracks Trial for 5,000 Terror Suspects

About 5,000 persons suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities are currently being held in pre-trial detention facilities across Nigeria, a recent security document has revealed.

The high number of detainees has contributed to a growing backlog of terrorism cases nationwide.

This disclosure is contained in the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), obtained on Wednesday. According to the document, the NCTC’s legal team, in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters and the Federal Ministry of Justice, has been reviewing case files to either accelerate prosecutions or discontinue cases that lack sufficient evidence.

“At present, there are approximately 5,000 individuals suspected of having been involved in terrorism-related offences who are being held in pre-trial detention. This has resulted in a significant backlog of cases,” the document stated.

It added that the review process is aimed at expediting viable prosecutions while dismissing charges that cannot be substantiated to proceed to trial. The NCTC also disclosed that it has been coordinating terrorism case hearings conducted by the Federal High Court sitting at the Wawa Military Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, as well as in Abuja.

The centre noted that in 2024, support provided through this framework led to the prosecution of 393 terrorism-related cases, out of which 329 resulted in convictions. This development pushed Nigeria’s terrorism conviction rate to 84 per cent, a sharp rise from the 41.5 per cent recorded in 2018.

Additionally, the NCTC revealed that charges against about 1,200 detainees were reviewed and eventually dismissed, leading to their release from custody and reintegration into their communities.

The strategic plan further disclosed that Nigeria is preparing to introduce DNA profiling into a proposed National Database on Terrorism as part of renewed efforts to strengthen investigations, prosecutions and intelligence-sharing related to terrorist activities.

The document explained that biometric data, including DNA, would be used to identify, track and prosecute members of proscribed terrorist organisations. The proposed database will be domiciled within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and will serve as a central repository for information on known and suspected terrorists.

“Nigeria currently lacks a central National Database on Terrorism accessible to all agencies involved in counterterrorism efforts. The National Counter-Terrorism Strategy identified the need for such a system, and the NCTC has been tasked with establishing it,” the document stated.

The database is expected to contain identifying details of known and suspected terrorists, information on terrorist tactics, and intelligence on reported terrorist activities, drawing inputs from correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies and intelligence units.

Beyond prosecutions, the plan highlighted the role of the NCTC’s National Operations Centre, a technology-driven hub designed to provide real-time intelligence, situational awareness and command-and-control support during major security incidents. Security analysts believe the planned use of DNA profiling could significantly enhance Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework, particularly in identifying repeat offenders, tracking foreign terrorist fighters and dismantling cross-border networks.

Turji under pressure — Military

The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, has said that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is currently in panic and confusion as intensified military operations close in on him and other armed group leaders in the North-West.

Idris made the disclosure while responding to questions from defence correspondents during a tour of the operations theatre. He explained that Turji, who had long evaded arrest, is now under sustained pressure from coordinated ground operations, human intelligence and technology-driven surveillance.

“Based on the most current intelligence, Bello Turji and others are presently in confusion and panic due to the intensity of our operations. They are relocating every few hours or days,” he said.

The theatre commander dismissed claims that Turji controls any local government area or village, describing such assertions as propaganda by terrorists constantly on the run.

“How can someone without a permanent location claim to control an axis or local government? I challenge Bello Turji to name a single local government he controls,” Idris said.

He added that Turji and other wanted bandit leaders, including Gwaska, Ado Aleru and Dogo Gide, are being actively pursued across the theatre of operations.

“All things being equal, Bello Turji will soon be history in the North-West,” Idris said, noting that armed group leaders are being tracked through multiple intelligence platforms.

On reports of a planned release of 70 bandits by the Katsina State government, Idris said the military had received no official communication or directive.

“We have not received any circular or formal information regarding the release of 70 terrorists. What we are hearing are rumours, and we consider them fake news,” he stated.

He warned against the spread of misinformation, noting the increasing use of artificial intelligence-generated content to mislead the public.

Regarding regional cooperation, Idris said intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries such as Niger and Benin Republic has been strengthened to curb cross-border movements of armed groups, including the Lakurawa terrorists. He disclosed that several Lakurawa fighters were killed during recent operations around the Kamba axis, with weapons and motorcycles recovered.

The commander assured that sustained military operations against banditry and terrorism would continue, adding that operational challenges are communicated through appropriate military channels rather than public disclosures.

Turji is widely regarded by security agencies as one of the most violent bandit leaders in the North-West, linked to mass killings, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, village raids and arson. Although residents fled communities around Tidibali in Sokoto State following threats issued by Turji last Friday, they have since returned after military intervention.

Court issues arrest warrant

In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of suspects linked to Turji following their failure to appear for trial.

Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the arrest after the Federal Government’s counsel, David Kaswe, made an oral application to that effect. The suspects include Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma.

When the case was called, none of the defendants appeared in court. Defence counsel, A.M. Lukman, told the court that he had contacted the first defendant, who assured him they would attend, but expressed surprise at their absence.

Kaswe informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed and that witnesses were present. The judge subsequently granted the application for a bench warrant and adjourned the matter until February 24 for continuation of trial.

The defendants are facing terrorism-related charges linked to Turji. The Federal Government had earlier filed an 11-count charge against eight defendants, including Turji, who remains at large, as well as Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal.

The defendants are accused of providing material support to terrorist groups, including supplying food, illicit drugs, military and police uniforms, building materials and logistics to camps in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna states. Some were also accused of facilitating the purchase of a military gun truck from Libya and providing medical treatment and shelter to Turji after a violent attack.

N204bn earmarked for security operations

Meanwhile, security agencies are expected to spend a total of N204.51bn on operational activities in 2026, according to the 2026 Appropriation Bill currently before the National Assembly.

The bill, submitted by President Bola Tinubu on December 19, is aimed at supporting counter-insurgency efforts, internal security operations and other national security assignments.

A breakdown shows that the Department of State Services is allocated N30bn as a special operations fund, while military operations nationwide account for the largest share with N100bn.

The Nigeria Police Force is expected to spend N50bn on operations, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will receive N15bn for special operations, while N9.51bn has been earmarked for security operations overheads for the Office of the National Security Adviser.