Nigeria Achieves Milestone in Counter-Terrorism through Grand Trial Program
The Federal Government has reached a significant milestone by securing 1,721 convictions for terrorism and related offenses through its Grand Trial Program. Notably, over half of these convictions occurred in 2026 alone, highlighting Nigeria’s intensified efforts to tackle terrorism while reinforcing its commitment to due process and the rule of law.
Coordinated Efforts Enhance Criminal Justice System
Zakari Usman Mijinyawa, Director General of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative during a press conference attended by representatives from various security and law enforcement agencies. Mijinyawa noted that this coordinated approach—encompassing the ONSA, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, and international partners—has significantly bolstered the efficacy of the criminal justice system in handling terrorism cases.
Progress Since Program Launch
Launched in October 2017, the Grand Trial Program has successfully conducted ten stages of mass trials, resulting in 1,721 convictions across Nigeria for terrorism and related crimes. Mijinyawa reiterated the government’s dedication to fair trial principles, ensuring that individuals who cannot be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt are either released or acquitted.
Commitment to Fair Trials
According to Mijinyawa, this legal initiative clearly demonstrates the federal government’s unwavering commitment to due process, the rule of law, and internationally recognized fair trial standards. As the country grapples with security challenges, maintaining these principles is vital for enhancing public trust in the justice system.
Breakdown of Convictions Over the Years
Providing a breakdown of the convictions, Mijinyawa indicated that the initial three trial stages conducted between 2017 and 2018 in Wawa Cantonment resulted in 366 convictions, 882 releases, five acquittals, and 61 cases adjourned for further proceedings. After the program’s resumption in 2023, the fourth phase yielded 14 convictions, while the subsequent phases in 2024 brought 351 additional convictions encompassing charges like terrorist financing, international crimes, and sexual violence.
Recent Achievements and Statistics
In 2025, Phases 7 and 8 of the program led to 125 more convictions. However, the program’s most noteworthy outcomes were seen in 2026, where stages 9 and 10 conducted at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, resulted in 865 convictions. This figure includes 386 convictions from stage 9 and 479 from stage 10, along with the release of 28 defendants and an acquittal for one individual.
Balancing National Security and Fundamental Rights
Mijinyawa pointed out that the significant achievement of 865 convictions in 2026 accounts for over half—50.3 percent—of all terrorism-related convictions recorded since the program’s inception in 2017. This statistic surpasses the total of 856 convictions accrued over the nine-year period from 2017 to 2025. He affirmed that the ongoing execution of the mass trial program not only seeks accountability for terrorism-related crimes but also aligns with constitutional guarantees of fair trials and due process, adeptly balancing national security and the protection of fundamental rights.
