- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than 237 suspected terrorists have been convicted and given various sentences ranging from life imprisonment to death sentence.
This is contained in a statement from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on Sunday in Abuja.
The centre said the Federal Government has achieved a major milestone in its unwavering campaign against terrorism, including Boko Haram insurgency, IPOB insurrection, and banditry by securing conviction of more than 200 terrorists successfully prosecuted during the just-concluded Phase Six Terrorism Trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility from 9th to 13th of to December 2024.
According to NCTC, a total of 237 cases were addressed with the convicted individuals receiving various sentences based on the degree of the offences
“The convicted individuals received various sentences, ranging from the 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 a brutal assault at Gina Kara Kai community in Borno.
“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.
“This achievement highlights the government’s commitment to delivering justice for victims of terrorism and safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
“The trials, presided over by five Federal High Court judges, were conducted in strict compliance with international standards of justice, marking a critical step in restoring peace and stability in affected regions across the country,” the statement said.
The trials, according to the statement, were overseen by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in collaboration with NCTC-ONSA.
It added that the coordinated effort ensured a transparent and efficient judicial process for the sustenance of effective administration of justice.
According to NCTC, while the DPP 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.
“At the Phase 5 of the trial that took place in July this year, 143 cases were heard with 125 convictions.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the administration has 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.
“Measures have also been implemented to ensure the safety of judicial officers, witnesses, and other stakeholders involved in the trials.
“This initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices in prosecuting terrorism-related cases and aligns with international conventions aimed at protecting fundamental rights,” it added.
The centre said the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, commended the judiciary, military, police, and other security agencies for their dedication to such landmark achievement.
They urged Nigerians to remain united, vigilant, and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to appropriate authorities, as the nation strives toward a safer and a more secure future.