The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasized that prosecuting individuals suspected of financing terrorism is far more complex than simply compiling a list of names and taking them to court. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday, Idris highlighted that the Federal Government has refrained from immediate prosecutions because the process demands meticulous, dedicated, and time-consuming investigations.
According to Idris, the fight against terrorism requires careful evidence gathering and cannot rely solely on public pronouncements or suspicion. “It is not a question of having the list or not having the list. It is not as simplistic as that. Investigations have to be conducted. In some cases, there are merits in what they said,” he explained. He further noted that immediate court action without thorough investigations would be counterproductive and could compromise justice.
The minister called for understanding from both domestic and international partners, stressing the complexity and diversity of the security challenges Nigeria faces. He reassured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is “working assiduously” to restore peace and security across the nation.
Idris also highlighted the progress made in the fight against banditry, criminal networks, and jihadist groups since May 2023. “Sometimes we forget the successes we have recorded in the fight against bandits, criminals, and some of these jihadists. From May 2023 to date, over 13,500 of these criminals have been neutralised and taken off our society. Over 17,000 of them have been apprehended. Even as we speak, some of them are having their day in court, and some have been sentenced. I think we should recognise these efforts,” he stated.
The minister’s remarks underscore the government’s methodical approach to combating terrorism financing, balancing swift action with due process, and highlighting the ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria from internal threats.
0 Comments