The Federal Government has disclosed that more than 700 individuals have been convicted and jailed for terrorism-related offences across Nigeria, with several other prosecutions currently underway.
According to The PUNCH, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed this during an interview when questioned the number of convicted terrorists.
In response to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump, the information minister had last week disclosed that 17,000 terrorists were in custody.
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He denied the allegations that Christians were being persecuted in Nigeria.
Idris explained to our correspondent on Sunday that the Special Court established for Boko Haram cases had already held more than seven sittings, during which over 700 high-profile suspects were convicted.
The court, now in its eighth session, continues to hear new cases as part of efforts to strengthen the rule of law in counterterrorism operations.
“Prosecutions of terrorism suspects are underway in courts across Nigeria – at both state and federal levels in Abuja,” the minister said.
“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.”
He added that the Department of State Services had concluded investigations and is prosecuting major cases, including the Owo Church attack, the mastermind of the Nyanya bombings, and the Yelwata attack suspects, alongside individuals involved in other terror incidents.
Idris further noted that the Nigeria Police Force is handling hundreds of cases across all states, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies are actively engaged in similar prosecutions nationwide.
He also stated that economic crimes such as oil bunkering, theft, and pipeline vandalism are being diligently prosecuted in various courts.
The minister further explained that the Attorney-General of the Federation is providing leadership to all government institutions and collaborating with the judiciary to expedite trials, ensuring justice is swiftly delivered.
“The DSS has completed investigations and is prosecuting major cases, including the Owo Church attack, the mastermind of the Nyanya bombings, and the Yelwata attack suspects, as well as counter reprisal suspects.
“Police are currently trying hundreds of cases across all states, while the NSCDC and other agencies are also active nationwide.
“Economic crimes suspects such as oil bunkering, theft and vandalisation are being prosecuted throughout the country.
“The Attorney General of the Federation is providing leadership to all government institutions and collaborating with the judiciary to expedite trials, ensuring justice is swiftly delivered,” he said.