The United States has commended Nigeria for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases, following the conviction of hundreds of suspects in one of the country’s largest coordinated judicial efforts against extremism.
In a statement released on Sunday, Massad Boulos, a senior US adviser on Arab and African affairs, described the development 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,” he said.
“We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts.”
He added that timely and transparent legal processes are essential in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions.
“Upholding the rule of law remains critical to ensuring the safety, stability and long-term security of all Nigerians,” the statement said.
Nigeria’s attorney general and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, had earlier confirmed that 386 convictions were secured out of 508 terrorism-related cases brought before the courts.
The trials form part of a wider effort by authorities to clear a backlog of cases, many of which had remained unresolved for years within the judicial system.
Officials say the move reflects renewed momentum in tackling terrorism and strengthening the country’s legal response to extremist threats.
The convictions come amid broader efforts by the Nigerian government to disrupt terrorism financing and dismantle networks linked to extremist groups.
On Saturday, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee published a list of 48 individuals and organisations allegedly connected to terrorism financing. Among those named were Simon Ekpa and Tukur Mamu, alongside banned groups including the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ansarul Sudan and Islamic State West Africa Province.
In recent months, Nigerian courts have handed down a number of high-profile rulings linked to terrorism.
Nigeria continues to face persistent security challenges from militant groups operating in different regions, particularly in the north-east.
Authorities say the recent convictions represent a step forward in strengthening the rule of law and deterring future offences, though analysts note that sustained efforts will be required to address the broader drivers of extremism.
