For over two decades, Nigeria has endured relentless attacks from terrorists and armed groups commonly referred to as terrorists or bandits, with thousands of people killed, communities displaced and vast territories thrown into insecurity.

Despite hundreds of arrests over the years, many suspects remained in prolonged detention as victims and families waited for justice, ostensibly due to political interests. 

That long-delayed process appears to be gaining momentum, with the federal government announcing a major breakthrough in the on-going terrorism trials in Abuja.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Friday, October 23, 2026 that 653 terrorism suspects have so far been convicted in the latest phase of a mass trials being conducted at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

The convictions were part of the 880 cases already determined as authorities say they are determined to clear a backlog of terrorism-related prosecutions that have accumulated over the years.

According to the government, only seven suspects were acquitted while 27 others were discharged during the exercise, which is being handled simultaneously by no fewer than 10 judges.

The proceedings represent one of the most extensive terrorism prosecution efforts in Nigeria’s history and signal  rdzvenewed determination by the current administration to ensure that arrested suspects are subjected to judicial scrutiny rather than remaining indefinitely in detention.