Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has secured over 325 convictions of terrorists in trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility in Niger State, demonstrating significant progress in its fight against terrorism.
According to a Sunday statement by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the convictions were recorded during Phase 5 and Phase 6 of terrorism trials.
These trials, conducted by five Federal High Court judges, adhered strictly to international standards of justice.
In the Phase 5 trials, held in July 2024, 143 cases were heard, leading to 125 convictions. Phase 6, conducted from December 9 to 13, 2024, saw 237 cases processed, with 200 convictions secured.
The government explained that the convicted terrorists received sentences ranging from 20 to 70 years, life imprisonment, and the death penalty, depending on the gravity of their crimes.
The statement read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has achieved a major milestone in its unwavering campaign against terrorism, including Boko Haram insurgency, IPOB insurrection, and banditry.
“Over 200 terrorists were successfully prosecuted and convicted during the just-concluded Phase 6 Terrorism Trials.”
It highlighted that those sentenced to maximum penalties were individuals guilty of heinous crimes, including attacks on women and children, destruction of religious sites, and the brutal assault on Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.
The government also revealed that individuals found guilty of financing terrorism—a critical enabler of violent activities—were sentenced to life imprisonment.
“These achievements underscore the Federal Government’s unyielding resolve to dismantle all aspects of terrorist networks and deliver justice for victims,” the statement added.
The government reassured stakeholders involved in the trials, including judicial officers and witnesses, of their safety, noting that measures had been implemented to protect them.
The NCTC said, “This initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices in prosecuting terrorism-related cases and aligns with international conventions aimed at protecting fundamental rights.”
It further commended the efforts of the judiciary, military, police, and intelligence agencies in ensuring the success of the trials.