The President Bola Tinubu government has said that more than 700 high-profile Boko Haram and other terrorism suspects are currently undergoing prosecution across the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known while speaking on the ongoing trials and convictions of individuals linked to terrorism.
According to him, a Special Court designated for Boko Haram-related cases has already held over seven sessions, resulting in the conviction of more than 700 suspects, with additional trials currently in progress.
“The Special Court for Boko Haram cases has held more than seven sittings, securing convictions for over 700 high-profile suspects. It is now in its eighth session with trials continuing,” Idris said.
He explained that the prosecutions form part of the government’s broader effort to ensure accountability, strengthen the rule of law, and deliver justice in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
“Prosecutions of terrorism suspects are underway in courts across Nigeria, at both state and federal levels, including in Abuja,” he added.
The minister further noted that the Attorney-General of the Federation is working with the judiciary to speed up the prosecution process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Idris said the Department of State Services (DSS) has completed investigations and is currently prosecuting major terrorism cases such as the Owo church massacre, the Nyanya bombing mastermind, and suspects linked to the Yelwa attack, as well as reprisal-related offences.
He also stated that the Nigeria Police Force is handling hundreds of cases nationwide, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies are actively involved in similar prosecutions.
Idris had earlier revealed that over 17,000 terrorism suspects remain in detention across the country, while dismissing allegations that Christians are being deliberately targeted or persecuted in Nigeria.
His remarks come amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of possible military action in Nigeria over what he described as “genocide against Christians.”
While the U.S. accuses Nigeria of neglecting the situation, the Tinubu administration has rejected both the genocide claim and Nigeria’s re-listing as a Country of Particular Concern.
