Key Points

• Government speeds up trials of 5,000 terrorism suspects to reduce backlog.

• 1,200 cases dismissed after insufficient evidence, with detainees resettled safely.

• New DNA profiling database to track and identify suspected terrorists nationwide.

About 5,000 people suspected of terrorism are currently in pre-trial detention across Nigeria. The high number of detainees has caused a backlog of cases.

The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is working with the Defence Headquarters and the Federal Ministry of Justice to review these cases.

Where evidence is weak, charges may be dropped, and where strong, prosecutions will be fast-tracked.

Court Hearings and Past Convictions

In 2024, 393 terrorism cases went to trial, with 329 convictions. This lifted Nigeria’s terrorism conviction rate from 41.5% in 2018 to 84%.

Around 1,200 detainees had their charges reviewed and were released back to their communities. Federal High Court hearings take place in Kanji Military Cantonment and Abuja.

Plans for DNA and Biometric Database

Nigeria plans to introduce DNA profiling in a new National Database on Terrorism. The database, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, will store identifying details of known and suspected terrorists, including biometric data.

It will help track repeat offenders, foreign fighters, and terrorist networks across regions.

Military Pressure on Bandit Leaders

Major General Warrah Idris, Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, said notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is under heavy military pressure.

Turji and other armed group leaders are moving constantly to avoid capture. Reports that he controls any local government or village are false, Idris added. The military is also tracking other violent bandit leaders in the North-West.

The Federal High Court in Abuja issued bench warrants for suspects linked to Turji who failed to appear in court.

These individuals are standing trial for supplying logistics, weapons, and support to terrorist and bandit groups in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States.

Some had pleaded not guilty and remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.

Security Budget for 2026

The 2026 Appropriation Bill allocates N204.51bn for security operations. The military will get N100bn for operations including Operation Hadin Kai, the Police N50bn, DSS N30bn, NSCDC N15bn, and the Office of the National Security Adviser N9.51bn for overhead costs.