FG secures 1,721 terrorism convictions since 2017

The Nigerian Federal Government announced it has achieved 1,721 convictions for terrorism and related offenses through its Mass Trial Programme, which commenced in October 2017. This initiative is described as a cornerstone of the government's strategy to bolster criminal justice administration while strictly adhering to due process and the rule of law.

Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), revealed these figures during a joint security briefing in Abuja. The program, a collaborative effort involving ONSA, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, various security and law enforcement agencies, and international partners, has successfully concluded ten phases of terrorism trials.

“

The Federal Government has continued to strengthen the administration of criminal justice in terrorism cases through its Mass Trial Programme, a coordinated initiative involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, security and law enforcement agencies, and international partners.

Mijinyawa emphasized that the program's focus extends beyond convictions to ensuring justice for defendants. "The programme has also ensured that defendants against whom the prosecution did not establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt were discharged or acquitted, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to due process, the rule of law, and fair trial standards," he stated.

“

Since the commencement of the programme in October 2017, ten phases of mass trials have been successfully conducted, resulting in 1,721 convictions for terrorism and related offences.

Details of the trials show that the initial three phases, conducted between 2017 and 2018, resulted in 366 convictions and 882 discharges. The program resumed in 2023, with subsequent phases in 2023, 2024, and 2025 yielding hundreds more convictions, including cases involving terrorism financing and gender-based violence. The most significant progress was recorded in 2026 during Phases Nine and Ten, which secured 865 convictions, accounting for over half of all terrorism-related convictions since the program's inception.

This mass trial approach aims to efficiently process terrorism cases, ensuring accountability for those found guilty while safeguarding the rights of the accused. The government highlights the program's success in strengthening the legal framework against terrorism in Nigeria.

“

The programme has also ensured that defendants against whom the prosecution did not establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt were discharged or acquitted, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to due process, the rule of law, and fair trial standards.