The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has disclosed that Nigeria secured 860 terrorism-related convictions and recorded 891 acquittals between 2017 and 2025, reflecting the government’s commitment to due process in prosecuting extremist offences.
Fagbemi made the revelation on Tuesday while addressing judiciary correspondents after a closed-door meeting with a visiting United States congressional delegation in Abuja. The engagement followed an earlier meeting held in Washington about a month ago.
According to the AGF, the visit was aimed at giving the U.S. delegation firsthand insight into Nigeria’s security landscape and the government’s ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and violent extremism. He clarified that Nigeria’s security challenges are not driven by religious motives but by criminal activities that the government is actively combating through security operations and strict legal frameworks.
He emphasized that terrorism suspects are thoroughly profiled, noting that individuals found to have no ties to criminal activities are discharged, while those with credible cases are prosecuted in court where judicial processes take full course.
Fagbemi confirmed that terrorism trials are ongoing and maintained that although Nigeria faces security concerns, the situation is “not as grim as portrayed.” He reassured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to peace and national stability.
The U.S. congressional delegation, currently conducting a fact-finding mission, also visited the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, civil society groups, and religious organisations. The team is expected to issue its own public statement before departing the country.
