A United States delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria over allegations of Christian genocide on Tuesday met with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who disclosed that the Federal Government has secured 860 terrorism-related convictions between 2017 and 2025.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with the delegation at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, Fagbemi said the ministry had also recorded 881 acquittals within the same period, underscoring what he described as Nigeria’s commitment to due process in handling terrorism cases.
The delegation was led by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, who is in the country with other officials for consultations on insecurity and claims of targeted attacks on Christian communities.
Fagbemi said the meeting offered Nigeria the opportunity to present its side of the story regarding the allegations of Christian genocide and the broader security challenges facing the country. He added that detailed updates were provided on ongoing prosecutions linked to killings and violent attacks across several regions.
“We have been able to explain to them how far we have gone. As we speak, a terrorism trial is ongoing involving suspects who were recently arrested,” he said.
Highlighting the administration’s approach, the minister stressed that the acquittals were evidence that the government does not indiscriminately detain suspects.
“We follow due process. They are profiled and released if cleared. Those found to have a case to answer are charged to court. Whenever the court gives its decision, we comply fully,” he stated.
The US team’s visit follows briefings earlier held in Washington, D.C., where American officials raised concerns about insecurity, sectarian violence, and accountability in Nigeria’s security response.
According to the ministry, the fact-finding mission will continue with engagements across security, justice, and civil society institutions as part of efforts to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism and human rights.