The Federal Government secured 860 convictions in terrorism-related cases in seven years, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said yesterday.
He reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism and violent crimes across Nigeria.
Fagbemi provided the conviction figures in Abuja after a meeting with senior United States officials, including the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Riley M. Barnes, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.
Fagbemi said that between 2017 and 2025, Nigeria recorded 860 convictions and 891 acquittals in terrorism-related cases, stressing that the figures reflected the government’s strict adherence to due process and the rule of law.
The AGF said: “What this demonstrates clearly is that we do not operate a system of arbitrary arrests or indefinite detention.
“Persons arrested in connection with terrorism and extremism are properly profiled and investigated.
“Those found not to have credible links are discharged, while those against whom evidence is established are prosecuted in court.
“And we abide by the decisions of the courts, whether convictions or acquittals.”
He explained that terrorism trials were ongoing across the country and that he personally monitored and participated in some of the proceedings to ensure prosecutorial diligence and fairness.
Fagbemi said: “I was in court again today (yesterday), handling one or two terrorism cases.
“Trials are still ongoing, and we continue to improve our prosecutorial processes in line with global best practices.”
The AGF said the meeting with the US delegation was a follow-up to earlier engagements in Washington and to provide first-hand insight into Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Fagbemi dismissed claims that Nigeria’s security challenges were driven by religious motives.
“Let me be very clear: Nigeria has security challenges, but it is not a religious problem.
“These are criminal and terror-related issues, and the government is doing its utmost to confront them within the framework of the law,” he added.
