The Nigerian government has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against terrorism, securing 44 convictions out of 54 individuals recently arraigned in Phase 7 of the Kainji Detention Facility Terrorism Trial, according to the National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA).
The convictions, announced in a statement by NCTC Head of Strategic Communication, Mr. Michael Abu, bring the total number of successful terrorism-related prosecutions in Nigeria to 785, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s legal response to insurgency and violent extremism.
The verdicts handed down during proceedings in four Federal High Courts saw sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, all with hard labour. The remaining 10 cases were adjourned for further deliberation.
Delivering opening remarks at the trial, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, representing NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism through strong judicial enforcement, intelligence-led security operations, and dismantling of financial networks supporting terror groups.
Military and Air Force Operations Yield Results
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, during an operational visit to Adamawa, identified poverty and illiteracy as primary drivers of insecurity. He stressed that while military force (kinetic) remains essential, non-kinetic approaches, such as social intervention and education, offer more sustainable results.
In a related development, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, revealed that 5,650 terrorists were killed in the past two years by air components of Operations Hadin Kai and Fansan Yamma in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West regions.
According to him, air raids also neutralised 775 structures, 218 vehicles, and numerous terrorist logistics hubs, disrupting their operational capabilities.
More Equipment, Intelligence, and Interdictions
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has acquired 15 new aircraft over the last two years and expects 49 more platforms by the end of 2026 to boost counterinsurgency and air surveillance missions. Abubakar noted that over 3,500 hours of flight time had already been logged in the first half of 2025 across anti-banditry, anti-oil theft, and terrorism operations.
Additionally, troops of the 37 NDA Demonstration Battalion arrested three suspected gunrunners in Kaduna State. The suspects were intercepted with nine AK-47 rifles, over 440 rounds of live ammunition, and rifle magazines, en route to supply criminal elements.
