The United States has praised Nigeria for stepping up the prosecution of terrorism-related cases, following the conviction of 386 suspects in recent mass trials.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Massad Boulos, US senior advisor for Arab and African affairs, described the development as a major step towards strengthening accountability and justice.
“The United States commends the Nigerian government for its commitment to fast-tracking trials involving terrorism and related offences. We welcome the conviction of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had faced prolonged delays,” the statement said.
He added that timely and transparent judicial processes are key to tackling extremism and building public confidence in the justice system.
“Respect for the rule of law remains vital to ensuring safety, stability and long-term security for all Nigerians,” he said.
FG Convicts 386 Terrorists out of 508 Terrorism-related Cases
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, had disclosed on Friday that the federal government secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases brought before the courts.
The trials form part of efforts to clear a backlog of terrorism cases, many of which had been pending for years.
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The development comes as authorities intensify action against terrorism financing and extremist networks.
On Saturday, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee published a list of 48 individuals and entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing.
Those named include Simon Ekpa, a separatist figure; Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher; and banned groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ansarul Sudan, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In November 2025, a federal high court in Abuja sentenced IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment after his conviction on terrorism charges.
Similarly, on April 7, a federal high court in Abuja convicted and sentenced four individuals for supplying materials to Boko Haram fighters in Borno state.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
