Nigerian Government Refutes Turkish Claims of New Terror Group, Assures Citizens of Security

The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly dismissed reports suggesting the emergence of a new terrorist organization operating within its borders. This clarification came in response to claims made by the Turkish government about the presence and activities of the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) in Nigeria.

On Tuesday evening, during an event hosted in Abuja to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day, Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, raised concerns over what he described as the persistent influence of FETO within Nigeria. According to Poroy, the group—reportedly linked to the late Turkish Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen—is exploiting Nigeria’s educational and healthcare systems as cover for its operations.

2027 Presidency: Anthony Sani Dismisses Obi’s Chances, Declares Tinubu Northern Favorite

“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organization still maintains its activities in Nigeria, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare,” Poroy said, adding that his government has continually engaged Nigerian authorities on the alleged risks posed by the group.

Poroy further emphasized that FETO represents a security threat to every nation it operates in and called for increased bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey to combat the group’s influence.

No Cause for Alarm, Says National Security Authority

However, the Nigerian government has downplayed the claims, urging citizens not to panic. Maj Gen Adamu Laka, the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), stated unequivocally that there is no intelligence or credible report indicating the operation of any such organisation in the country.

“There’s no need to panic. We are not aware of any new terror group operating in Nigeria under that name or guise,” Laka told The PUNCH on Wednesday.

He reassured the public that Nigeria’s security and intelligence apparatus remain alert and capable of identifying and addressing any genuine threats—domestic or foreign.

Who Is Fethullah Gulen and What Is FETO?

FETO is the name used by the Turkish government to refer to the global network led by Fethullah Gulen, an exiled cleric who died in 2024. Gulen was once a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but became a central figure of controversy following the 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkey. Ankara has repeatedly accused Gulen and his followers of masterminding the attempted overthrow—a charge Gulen denied throughout his life.

The Gulen movement operates globally, primarily through a network of schools, universities, hospitals, dialogue forums, and charitable organisations spanning more than 160 countries. While many of these institutions are praised for providing quality education, the Turkish government has urged other nations to shut them down, labeling them as recruitment fronts for a terrorist organisation.

In Nigeria, several private schools have been linked to Gulen’s global educational network. However, there is no official evidence or classification by the Nigerian government branding these institutions as terrorist-affiliated.

Nigeria’s Stance: Caution, Not Capitulation

While maintaining robust diplomatic ties with Turkey, Nigerian officials are taking a measured approach to the Turkish claims. Intelligence authorities have clarified that although they continue to monitor all transnational threats, Nigeria will not act on external pressure without concrete, verifiable evidence.

Security analysts argue that such claims—if acted upon without proof—could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and threaten educational institutions with no proven links to terrorism. The government’s firm but diplomatic response illustrates a desire to balance international relations with internal stability.

“The safety and security of Nigeria remain the top priority,” a senior government official noted. “But this must be guided by credible intelligence and national interest, not unverified diplomatic assertions.”

Looking Ahead: Vigilance Without Alarm

Nigeria has long been embroiled in its own battle against homegrown terrorist threats such as Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province). As such, the government remains committed to monitoring all threats—both internal and external.

However, the official position remains that there is no new terrorist group, including FETO, currently active within Nigeria’s territory.

For now, Nigerians are advised to remain alert but calm. The government, through its security and intelligence agencies, continues to coordinate with international partners while prioritizing evidence-based actions over speculative accusations.

As diplomatic ties with Turkey continue to deepen, officials say any legitimate threat will be addressed transparently and decisively—without compromising Nigeria’s educational or healthcare systems in the process.