More than 340 terrorists in different parts of Nigeria have been convicted by the Federal High Courts (FHC).
Many of them were sentenced to death and others given life imprisonment.
The office of National Counter-Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), disclosed.
Some of the terrorists were given imprisonment ranging 20 to 70 years depending on the gravity of their offence.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, under the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation in collaboration with ONSA oversaw their trials.
Hundreds of the suspects were being tried by five FHC judges in phases at the Kainji Detention Facility over their involvement in the heinous crimes with over 500 convictions secured in the past.
The government added that those sentenced to the maximum penalty were individuals found guilty of heinous offences, including attacks on women and children, destruction of religious sites, the slaughter of innocent civilians, and the abduction of women and children in a brutal assault on the Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.
A statement from the NSA office said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has achieved a major milestone in its unwavering campaign against terrorism, including Boko Haram insurgency, IPOB insurrection, and banditry as over 200 terrorists have been successfully prosecuted and convicted during the just-concluded Phase 6 Terrorism Trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility from December 9 to 13, 2024.
“A total of 237 cases were heard from the trials. The convicted individuals received various sentences, ranging from the death penalty to life imprisonment and terms of 20 to 70 years, reflecting the severity of their crimes.
“Among those sentenced to the maximum penalty were individuals found guilty of heinous offences, including attacks on women and children, destruction of religious sites, the slaughter of innocent civilians, and the abduction of women and children in a brutal assault at Gina Kara Kai community in Borno State.”
The government stated that terrorist financiers were sentenced to life imprisonment.
“Additionally, individuals involved in terrorism financing – a critical enabler of violent activities – were sentenced to life imprisonment, underscoring the Federal Government’s unyielding resolve to dismantle all aspects of terrorist networks.
“This achievement highlights the government’s commitment to delivering justice for victims of terrorism and safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
“At the Phase 5 of the Terrorism Trial that took place in July this year, 143 cases were heard with 125 convictions,” it added.
The government assured the witnesses, and judicial officers involved in the matter of their safety.
“The trials, presided over by five Federal High Court judges, were conducted in strict compliance with international standards of justice, marking a critical step in restoring peace and stability in affected regions across the country.
“Measures have also been implemented to ensure the safety of judicial officers, witnesses, and other stakeholders involved in the trials.
“This initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to global best practices in prosecuting terrorism-related cases and aligns with international conventions aimed at protecting fundamental rights,” it said.
