Nigeria currently has about 5,000 individuals suspected of terrorism-related offences detained in pre-trial facilities across the country, as the National Security Adviser (NSA) disclosed in the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
The revelation comes amid a surge in successful prosecutions to 84 percent in 2024.
The NSA’s document highlights a growing case backlog caused by the high number of detainees, but it also notes that intensified legal reviews and coordination between the NCTC, Defence Headquarters and the Federal Ministry of Justice have led to more effective prosecutions.
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In 2024 alone, 393 terrorism-related cases were prosecuted, resulting in 329 convictions, while charges against about 1,200 detainees were dismissed, leading to their release and resettlement.
“At present, there are approximately 5,000 individuals suspected of having been involved in terrorism-related offences who are being held in pre-trial detention. This has resulted in a significant backlog of cases,” the document stated.
It added that the NCTC has been coordinating case hearings held by the Federal High Court sitting at Wawa Military Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, and in Abuja.
The NCTC’s strategic plan also highlighted significant progress in 2024.
It disclosed that support provided through the framework led to the prosecution of 393 terrorism-related cases, resulting in 329 convictions.
The development pushed Nigeria’s conviction rate in terrorism cases to 84 percent, a sharp rise from 41.5 percent recorded in 2018.
The NCTC said the success reflected improved coordination among agencies, stronger evidence management, and a more effective legal process.
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The plan further revealed that charges against about 1,200 detainees were reviewed and ultimately dismissed, leading to their release and resettlement into their communities.
“The charges against a further 1,200 individuals were reviewed and ultimately dismissed, resulting in their release from custody and resettlement back into their communities,” the document stated.
In addition to legal reforms, the strategic plan outlined plans to introduce DNA profiling into a proposed National Database on Terrorism.
This move is part of renewed efforts to strengthen investigations, prosecutions, and intelligence sharing on terrorist groups.
The database, which will be domiciled within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), will serve as a central repository of information on known and suspected terrorists.
It is intended to contain full identifying particulars, including biometric data and DNA profiles where available, as well as intelligence on terrorist activities and modus operandi.
The NCTC explained that Nigeria currently lacks a central national database on terrorism that is accessible to every agency involved in counterterrorism operations.
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The National Counter-Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) identified the need for such an information-sharing system, and the NCTC has been tasked by the National Security Adviser with establishing the database as part of NACTEST’s “Identify” and “Implement” work streams.
It will be populated with information and intelligence provided by correctional and detention facilities, law enforcement and security partners, and intelligence recovered and developed by staff from the Directorate of Intelligence.
Beyond prosecutions and data reforms, the strategic plan highlighted the role of the NCTC’s National Operations Centre, a technology-driven hub designed to support multi-agency counterterrorism operations.
The centre provides real-time intelligence, situational awareness and command-and-control support during major incidents.
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