Nigeria Records 2,512 Terrorism Convictions in Nine Years

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has secured 2,512 convictions in terrorism-related cases over nine years, following the conclusion of the 11th phase of terrorism trials at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr Adamu Laka, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the latest phase, conducted in October 2026, recorded 791 convictions out of 1,069 cases handled across 10 courts of the Federal High Court.

Mr Laka said the first 10 phases of the trials had produced 1,721 convictions before the latest exercise increased the cumulative figure to 2,512.

“I am therefore pleased to report that the 11th phase of terrorism trials recorded significant outcomes. Prior to this phase, the first 10 phases had resulted in a cumulative total of 1,721 convictions,” he said.

“During the 11th phase, an additional 791 convictions were recorded, bringing the cumulative number of convictions across all 11 phases to 2,512 convictions.”

According to him, the latest phase also resulted in seven acquittals, 41 discharges, four cases struck out, three cases withdrawn, 211 adjournments, 11 pending cases and one case recorded under another category.

“In this last phase, a total of 1,069 cases were handled across 10 courts of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja,” Mr Laka said.

He added that the trials demonstrated the government’s commitment to combating terrorism, holding perpetrators and their financiers accountable, and strengthening the administration of justice while respecting the rights of defendants.

Among the notable outcomes of the latest phase was the conviction and death sentence handed to Suleiman Abu.

Mr Laka said the Federal High Court found Abu guilty of membership in Boko Haram and participation in terrorist attacks on military facilities and civilians, resulting in deaths and serious injuries.

He said the judgment demonstrated that individuals involved in terrorism, regardless of their affiliation, could be held accountable where criminal responsibility was established beyond reasonable doubt.