The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has announced that over 700 high-profile Boko Haram and other terrorism suspects are currently facing prosecution across the country.

The disclosure was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during remarks on the ongoing trials and convictions of individuals linked to terrorism.

Idris stated that a Special Court dedicated to Boko Haram cases has already conducted more than seven sittings, securing convictions for over 700 suspects, with additional trials ongoing.

“The Special Court for Boko Haram cases has held more than seven sittings, securing convictions for over 700 high-profile suspects. It is now in its eighth session with trials continuing,” the minister told PUNCH.

He emphasized that these prosecutions are part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure accountability, deliver justice, and strengthen the rule of law in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.

“Prosecutions of terrorism suspects are underway in courts across Nigeria — at both state and federal levels in Abuja,” Idris added.

The minister also noted that the Attorney-General of the Federation is coordinating with the judiciary to accelerate trials and ensure justice is delivered efficiently.

“The DSS has completed investigations and is prosecuting major cases, including the Owo Church attack, the masterminds of the Nyanya bombings, and the Yelwata attack suspects, as well as counter-reprisal suspects. Police are currently trying hundreds of cases across all states, while the NSCDC and other agencies are also active nationwide,” he explained.

Earlier, Idris had confirmed that more than 17,000 terrorism suspects are currently in custody across Nigeria. He also dismissed claims that Christians are being specifically persecuted in the country.

His remarks follow criticism from the United States, with President Donald Trump threatening military action over alleged “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration has rejected these claims, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.

Boko Haram and related groups have been largely responsible for killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement in Nigeria over the past decade, making counterterrorism prosecutions a central focus of the government’s security agenda.