The federal government on Sunday said its unwavering campaign against terrorism, including Boko Haram insurgency, IPOB insurrection, and banditry yielded appreciable result as over 200 suspected terrorists were successfully prosecuted and convicted during the just-concluded Phase 6 Terrorism Trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility from December 9 to 13, 2024.
The government said this was in addition to the 125 convictions secured from 143 cases heard during the Phase 5 of the terrorism trial that took place in July 2024.
The government also stressed that the latest conviction of the suspected terrorists underscored its unyielding resolve to dismantle all aspects of terrorist networks.
A statement by the Department of Strategic Communications National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), revealed that a total of 237 cases were heard during the trials.
The convicted individuals, the government said, received various sentences, ranging from death penalty to life imprisonment and terms of 20 to 70 years, reflecting the severity of their crimes.
“Among those sentenced to the maximum penalty were individuals found guilty of heinous offences, including attacks on women and children, destruction of religious sites, the slaughter of innocent civilians, and the abduction of women and children in brutal assault at Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.
“Additionally, individuals involved in terrorism-financing – a critical enabler of violent activities – were sentenced to life imprisonment, underscoring the federal government’s unyielding resolve to dismantle all aspects of terrorist networks,” the statement said.
This achievement, the government added, also highlighted its commitment to delivering justice for victims of terrorism and safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
The government explained that the trials, presided over by five Federal High Court judges, were conducted in strict compliance with international standards of justice, and marked a critical step in restoring peace and stability in affected regions across the country.
“The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation oversaw the trials in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“This coordinated effort ensured a transparent and efficient judicial process, the sustenance of effective administration of justice. The Department of the Public Prosecution of the Federation continues to lead and mobilise for a fair, transparent and efficient judicial process which is a critical step in reinforcing public trust in the country’s justice system, reinforcing public trust in Nigeria’s justice system.
“While the Department of the Public Prosecutions led the legal process, the NCTC-ONSA coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic counterterrorism measures, reaffirming the federal government’s determination to hold perpetrators accountable, protect victims’ rights and uphold the rule of law,” the government further disclosed.
NCTC stressed that the President Tinubu-led administration significantly strengthened the capacities of institutions, including the military, police, intelligence, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to facilitate the swift and effective administration of justice.
Linus Aleke
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