The Federal Government secured 860 convictions in terrorism-related cases in seven years, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said yesterday.

He reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism and violent crimes across Nigeria. Also yesterday, Vice President Kashim Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was acting “quickly and decisively” to address insecurity and strengthen national and regional security systems.

Security forces also intensified operations nationwide, killing scores of terrorists and bandits and rescuing kidnapped victims.

Fagbemi provided the conviction figures in Abuja after a meeting with senior United States officials, including the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Riley M. Barnes, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr.

Fagbemi said that between 2017 and 2025, Nigeria recorded 860 convictions and 891 acquittals in terrorism-related cases, stressing that the figures reflected the government’s strict adherence to due process and the rule of law.

The AGF said: “What this demonstrates clearly is that we do not operate a system of arbitrary arrests or indefinite detention.

“Persons arrested in connection with terrorism and extremism are properly profiled and investigated.

“Those found not to have credible links are discharged, while those against whom evidence is established are prosecuted in court.

“And we abide by the decisions of the courts, whether convictions or acquittals.”

He explained that terrorism trials were ongoing across the country and that he personally monitored and participated in some of the proceedings to ensure prosecutorial diligence and fairness.

Fagbemi said: “I was in court again today (yesterday), handling one or two terrorism cases.

“Trials are still ongoing, and we continue to improve our prosecutorial processes in line with global best practices.”

The AGF said the meeting with the US delegation was a follow-up to earlier engagements in Washington and to provide first-hand insight into Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Fagbemi dismissed claims that Nigeria’s security challenges were driven by religious motives.

“Let me be very clear: Nigeria has security challenges, but it is not a religious problem.

“These are criminal and terror-related issues, and the government is doing its utmost to confront them within the framework of the law,” he added.

Shettima said security challenges were being “quickly and decisively” addressed.

Receiving faculty and participants of Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC 18) of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President said security must be treated as a collective responsibility requiring intelligence sharing, institutional collaboration and regional cooperation.

He said: “President Tinubu is working round the clock to tackle the nation’s security concerns.

“It is essential that we fuse as one. All hands must be on deck if we are to salvage the situation and secure our country.”

He added: “The challenges we face today do not respect national borders. What happens in one country can easily spill over into another.”

Shettima urged African states to harmonise security initiatives and strengthen regional frameworks.

The Army announced significant successes in nationwide operations in the last 48 hours.

Troops neutralised 18 terrorists, rescued 14 kidnapped victims and arrested 47 suspects in multiple theatres of operation.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion in the Northeast repelled a major ISWAP/JAS attack around Dutsen Nonu in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The engagement involved both ground troops and air interdiction.

“The terrorists attacked with two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), but they were destroyed in the encounter,” NAN quoted a source as saying, adding that 15 terrorists were neutralised during the operation.

In Maiduguri, troops apprehended two suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers at the Customs General area.

Items recovered included nails suspected to be used for IED fabrication, terrorist clothing, nets, insecticides and digging tools. The suspects were handed over to the military intelligence unit for further investigation.

In the Northwest, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma recorded further gains.

In Sokoto State, soldiers neutralised 13 suspected bandits in Sabon Birni Local Government Area after foiling an attempted ambush on traders travelling from Tarah village to a weekly market.

The gun battle, which lasted several hours, resulted in the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles and a large cache of ammunition, with no casualties recorded on the side of the military.

The Sokoto State Government hailed the operation.

Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, described the action as a clear demonstration of the military’s professionalism and courage.

Usman said: “The swift response of the troops averted what could have been a tragic incident.

“The government deeply appreciates the sacrifices of our security forces in protecting lives and property.”

Residents of affected communities celebrated the operation and called for its continuation to flush out remaining criminal elements.

Elsewhere, troops intervened in a communal clash in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State and intercepted terrorists in parts of Zamfara and Kebbi states, rescuing injured civilians and recovering motorcycles.

In Plateau State, soldiers under Operation Peace Shield dislodged violent extremists in Wase Local Government Area and recovered 110 cows and 46 sheep, with efforts underway to identify their rightful owners.

In Kaduna State, troops working with local hunters arrested a suspected kidnapper in Jema’a Local Government Area, while in Edo State, soldiers of 195 Battalion under Operation Wabaizigan arrested 33 suspected cult members during a snap checkpoint operation. Recovered items including firearms, cartridges, cutlasses, mobile phones and motorcycles.

In Taraba State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued two kidnapping victims in Kurmi Local Government Area, while efforts continued to free others who escaped into nearby communities.

The Army reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the momentum of operations across the country, stressing its commitment to safeguarding citizens and restoring lasting peace.

Source; The Nation News