The Federal Government has reported that a total of 742 terrorism suspects have been convicted out of the 1,743 individuals tried for terrorism-related offenses since 2017. Mohammed Babadoko, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, provided the details during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. Babadoko highlighted that while 888 of the suspects were acquitted and discharged, 92 cases have been adjourned to future dates.
The breakdown of convictions over the years includes significant developments: In October 2017, 50 individuals were convicted, with 203 discharged and acquitted. In February 2018, 203 convictions were secured, alongside 582 acquittals. More recently, in December 2024, 237 convictions were recorded with no acquittals or adjourned cases.
The convicted individuals face varying sentences, including terms of imprisonment ranging from 60 years to life, depending on the severity of their involvement in terrorism and related criminal activities. Notably, during the past year, the administration disposed of over 515 cases, marking a significant stride in the fight against terrorism.
Babadoko also spoke about the rehabilitation efforts under Operation Safe Corridor, a program designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate former terrorists who have been acquitted or served their sentences. Over 800 individuals have been moved to the Gombe-based program, which provides comprehensive support, including psychological evaluations, family reunification, mental health services, and economic interventions.
Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), emphasized that the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Rehabilitation (DDRR) program is specifically intended for those who have been deemed not guilty of serious offenses. He clarified that individuals convicted of terrorism offenses are not eligible for this program, which aims to assist those suitable for reintegration into society.
This comprehensive approach to countering terrorism combines legal actions with rehabilitation, signaling a more holistic effort by the Federal Government to address the threat of terrorism while also focusing on the long-term rehabilitation and reintegration of former militants.