A combined of US and Nigeria flags
By Toyin Williams
The United States has applauded the Nigerian government for what it described as its commitment to speeding up the prosecution of terrorism-related cases.
U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, made the statement in a post on his X handle on Sunday.
He said Washington welcomed the conviction of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously experienced significant delays in court.
“The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes,” Boulos said.
He described the convictions as an important step toward accountability and justice, stressing the need for timely and transparent legal processes in tackling extremism.
“We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts, and we recognize this as an important step toward accountability and justice,” he added.
Boulos further noted that strengthening the rule of law remains critical to ensuring national security and public trust in judicial institutions.
“We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions,” he said.
He added that the United States supports continued efforts to improve judicial efficiency and fairness in Nigeria.
Earlier in April, Abuja became the stage for one of Nigeria’s most sweeping judicial actions against terrorism. Over four days, the Federal High Court tried over 500 suspects linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP.
By the end of the session, 386 individuals were convicted, with sentences ranging from several years to two decades. Among them was a former senatorial candidate, jailed for supplying fuel to insurgents, and others accused of providing spare parts and firewood to fighters in Sambisa Forest.
While a handful were acquitted or discharged, more than a hundred cases were adjourned, signaling that the process is far from over.
