The Federal Government has commenced decisive steps to accelerate the prosecution of thousands of terrorism-related cases, as about 5,000 suspected insurgents remain in pre-trial detention facilities across Nigeria.
Findings revealed that the sheer volume of detainees has created a major backlog within the justice system, slowing down terrorism trials nationwide. This development was detailed in the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), a copy of which was obtained on Wednesday.
According to the document, the NCTC’s legal team, in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters and the Federal Ministry of Justice, is currently reviewing case files to determine which cases should be fast-tracked for prosecution and which should be dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
“At present, there are approximately 5,000 individuals suspected of involvement 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 coordinated efforts are underway to either expedite prosecutions or discontinue cases that cannot be substantiated.
The NCTC also disclosed that it has been supporting terrorism trials conducted by the Federal High Court, sitting both at the Wawa Military Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, and in Abuja.
In 2024 alone, the intervention reportedly led to the prosecution of 393 terrorism-related cases, out of which 329 resulted in convictions. This pushed Nigeria’s terrorism conviction rate to 84 per cent, a significant rise from the 41.5 per cent recorded in 2018.
The strategic plan further revealed that charges against about 1,200 detainees were reviewed and eventually dismissed, leading to their release and reintegration into society.
“In 2024, support provided to the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federal High Court enabled the prosecution of 393 new cases, resulting in 329 convictions. The conviction rate in terrorism-related cases increased markedly from 41.5 per cent in 2018 to 84 per cent in 2024,” the document noted.
Beyond prosecutions, the Federal Government is planning to introduce DNA profiling as part of a proposed National Database on Terrorism. The initiative aims to strengthen investigations, intelligence-sharing and prosecutions of members of proscribed terrorist groups.
According to the plan, the database will be domiciled within the Office of the National Security Adviser and will serve as a central repository for biometric data, including DNA profiles, operational methods of terrorist groups and intelligence on suspected activities.
“Nigeria currently lacks a central National Database on Terrorism accessible to all agencies engaged in counterterrorism efforts,” the document stated, noting that the initiative was identified under the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
The database is expected to help track repeat offenders, identify foreign terrorist fighters and dismantle interconnected terror networks operating across regions.
Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Warrah Idris, has said intensified military operations have thrown notorious bandit leader Bello Turji and other armed group leaders into panic.
Speaking during an interaction with defence correspondents, Idris said sustained ground operations, human intelligence and advanced surveillance had forced Turji to relocate constantly.
“Based on current intelligence, Bello Turji and others are in confusion and panic due to the intensity of our operations. They are relocating every few hours and days,” he said.
The commander dismissed claims that Turji controls any local government area, describing such assertions as propaganda. He added that Turji and other notorious bandit leaders, including Gwaska, Ado Aleru and Dogo Gide, are being actively tracked across the North-West.
“All things being equal, Bello Turji will soon be history in this region,” Idris assured.
In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of suspects linked to Turji after they failed to appear for trial. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the arrest of the defendants, including Musa Kamarawa and others, following an application by the Federal Government.
The suspects are standing trial over terrorism-related offences, including allegations of providing logistics, weapons and other support to armed groups operating in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna states.
Meanwhile, security agencies are expected to spend a total of ₦204.51bn on operational activities in 2026, according to the 2026 Appropriation Bill currently before the National Assembly. The funds are earmarked for counter-insurgency operations, internal security and other national security assignments.
With ongoing judicial reforms, military pressure and enhanced intelligence coordination, the Federal Government says it remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring security across the country.
