The Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria, Mohammed Idris, has stated that the Federal Government has not yet prosecuted individuals suspected of funding terrorism because the investigations required are sensitive, extensive, and cannot be concluded hastily. He explained that the process involves complex intelligence work and cross-border cooperation, which must be handled with caution to avoid compromising national security operations.
Idris made this clarification during an interview on the programme “Politics Today” aired on Channels Television, where he stressed that the issue was far more complicated than simply having a list of suspects and taking them to court immediately. Okay News reports.
The comments were made at a time when Nigerians have increasingly questioned whether authorities are deliberately avoiding accountability in the fight against insecurity, especially regarding the financing networks behind Boko Haram insurgents, Islamic State West Africa Province fighters, and armed bandit groups across northern Nigeria.
For years, citizens, civil society organisations, and international observers have asked successive Nigerian governments to publicly identify terrorism financiers and initiate prosecution. Under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, officials disclosed that a number of suspects had been identified, a development that raised public expectations that court trials would soon follow.
However, despite widespread anticipation, no major prosecution has taken place. This prolonged silence has strengthened criticism from security analysts and human rights groups who argue that the lack of visible action fuels doubts about the sincerity of the government’s counterterrorism strategy.
Speaking further on the issue, Idris insisted that thorough investigations must precede any legal action, saying, “It is not a question of having the list or not having the list; it is not as simplistic as that. Investigations have to be conducted. In some cases, there are merits in what they said.”
He added that legal processes must follow proper procedure, stating, “You do not say, ‘because pronouncements have been made, let me take you to court directly.’ There must be sufficient investigation carried out.”
The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s security challenges involve local, regional, and global dimensions, making the work complex and time-consuming. “Unfortunately, when you are fighting these kinds of battles, it is not something that you just sort out within a day or two. That is why, all the time, we are calling on our partners within and outside this country to understand the complexity and diversity of the situation we have here,” he said.
Idris also highlighted achievements recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the government has made measurable gains in tackling insecurity since assuming office in May 2023. According to him, “Sometimes we forget the successes we have recorded in the fight against bandits, criminals, and some of these jihadists. From May 2023 to date, over 13,500 of these criminals have been neutralised and taken off our society.”
He further revealed that more than 17,000 suspects have been arrested, many of whom are currently on trial or have already been sentenced by Nigerian courts.
Addressing another national concern, Idris clarified the delay in the appointment of ambassadors, stating that the President is finalising the list and security agencies are currently conducting necessary vetting processes.
According to Idris, diplomatic discussions are ongoing between Nigeria, the United States of America, and other allied nations to strengthen cooperation and address misconceptions about Nigeria’s security situation. He said, “We agree that ambassadors should be there, and the President has agreed that he is going to release this list. As I speak with you, the President is finalising it.”
He added that Nigeria is committed to collaborating with international partners to end terrorism, stating, “We are open to any kind of cooperation—regional, international, American or anybody who wants to see that there is an end to this crisis in Nigeria.”
