The United States has commended Nigeria for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases, following the conviction of 386 suspects in recent mass trials.
In a statement published via X yesterday, the U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, said Washington welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening accountability and justice.
“The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes. We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts.
“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions. Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term security of all Nigerians,” the statement read.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, had on Friday disclosed that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases brought before the courts.
The mass trials mark one of the largest coordinated efforts by Nigerian authorities to address a backlog of terrorism cases, many of which had lingered in the judicial system for years.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by the government to tighten enforcement against terrorism financing and extremist networks.
On Saturday, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee released a list of 48 individuals and entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing.
Responding, a Washington-based lobbying firm engaged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has said it would urge United States authorities, including President Donald Trump and members of Congress, to take stringent actions over the alleged Christian genocide going on in the country, a position he claimed Boulos is working against.
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