FG Denies Emergence of New Terrorist Groups Amid Turkish Warnings

The Federal Government On Wednesday, stated that no new terrorist groups have emerged in the country. 

This announcement follows a warning from the Turkish government regarding the presence of a terrorist group known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) in Nigeria and several other countries.

Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, claimed that this group is utilizing educational institutions and health services as a facade for its activities in the country.

Poroy made these comments during a dinner hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Abuja to celebrate Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day.

“The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates. Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation continues to actively function in Nigeria, especially in education and healthcare sectors.

We consistently notify our Nigerian counterparts about the nature and dangers of this organisation, urging them to stay alert and cautious,” Poroy stated.

In response, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, reassured Nigerians during an interview, indicating that there is no new terrorist group in Nigeria, thus advising against any panic.

“There is no new terrorist group in Nigeria. There’s no need to panic,” he affirmed.

FETO is reportedly linked to the late Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 83. Gulen was once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but was later accused of masterminding a coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.

He led a global network of schools, charities, and organizations and was convicted in absentia for attempting to overthrow the Turkish government. Although he denied any wrongdoing, Gulen's network was labeled a terrorist organisation by the Erdogan administration.

Despite Gulen-affiliated institutions reportedly being present in over 160 countries, including Nigeria, there has been no public evidence or official confirmation connecting them to terrorist activities within Nigeria.