Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Federal Government on Monday launched a fresh phase of terrorism prosecutions in Abuja, with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), declaring that Nigeria would intensify efforts to eliminate threats to national security through sustained court action.
Speaking at the commencement of the proceedings, Fagbemi said the administration remained firmly committed to ensuring that individuals accused of terrorism face the full weight of the law, describing the ongoing trials as a central part of the government’s security strategy.
He said the latest exercise reflects a consistent approach since the start of the current administration, noting that it is the fourth phase of coordinated terrorism trials being conducted in recent years.
“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials,” he said.
Fagbemi added that the government would not relent in its response to terrorism and related crimes, stressing that security remains a top priority.
“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody, ” he said.
According to him, more than 600 suspects are expected to be processed in the current phase of trials scheduled to run over several days in Abuja courts.
He explained that about 490 suspects are listed for hearing in the initial batch, followed by another 84, while an additional 102 cases carried over from a previous phase are also included in the schedule.
“So in total, we have 600 plus to contend with for this phase, and we have been assured by the honourable judges that they will do their utmost to ensure that they clear this number for this phase,” he said.
The mass trial initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to accelerate the prosecution of terrorism-related cases and reduce the backlog of suspects in custody across the country.
Authorities say the exercise is intended to strengthen accountability, speed up justice delivery, and reinforce ongoing operations against insurgency and organised criminal networks.
