The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting the presence of a new terrorist group operating in Nigeria. This comes in response to recent claims by the Turkish government that members of the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation, known as FETO, are active in Nigeria.
Turkish officials made the allegation on Tuesday during a dinner hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Abuja. The event was organized to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day. Speaking at the dinner, Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, said that members of the FETO network were using educational and healthcare services as cover for their operations.
According to Poroy, the group poses a threat to peace and stability in many countries and continues to operate through well-structured institutions. He claimed that FETO, which Ankara has designated a terrorist group, has built a strong international presence by establishing schools, hospitals, and non-governmental organizations.
The ambassador warned that Nigeria, like other countries, must remain vigilant against the group’s alleged activities. He stated that FETO’s methods are deceptive and that their presence in communities often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Poroy urged the Nigerian government to work with Turkey to tackle the threat.
Reacting to the statement, Nigerian authorities quickly denied the existence of any new or unidentified terrorist group operating within the country. The Federal Government stressed that there is no verified intelligence to support the claim that FETO or any similar group is active in Nigeria.
Officials assured Nigerians that the country’s security architecture remains alert and fully capable of detecting and addressing all forms of terrorism. According to them, all known threats are under constant surveillance by national intelligence agencies. Any claims about new threats, they added, would be investigated only if credible evidence is provided.
The government described the Turkish warning as unsubstantiated and cautioned against causing public alarm. It emphasized that security concerns must be based on facts and verified intelligence, not assumptions. While acknowledging Turkey’s concerns, the Nigerian government advised that any allegations of terror activity should be routed through diplomatic and security channels for proper review.
Security experts have noted that this isn’t the first time Turkey has raised concerns about the Fethullah movement in other countries. Following the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016, the government has intensified its efforts to label the group as a global security threat. Many countries have come under pressure to shut down institutions linked to FETO, particularly schools.
Despite Turkey’s long-standing campaign against the group, Nigerian authorities maintain that they have found no basis to act on the current warning. Officials said any organization operating in the country remains subject to routine checks and must comply with national regulations.
As the situation continues to draw attention, diplomatic observers are watching how both countries manage the fallout. For now, the Federal Government urges the public to remain calm and trust in the nation’s security framework.
With no immediate evidence of a new threat, Nigerian authorities have reassured citizens that the country remains secure and that any attempt to undermine national stability will be dealt with swiftly.
