Nigeria has secured 44 new terrorism-related convictions in the Kainji trials, bringing the total to 785. Convicts linked to Boko Haram received jail terms of up to 30 years
Abuja, Nigeria — July 13, 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured 44 additional convictions in the ongoing Kainji terrorism trials, bringing the total number of convictions to 785. The latest defendants, linked to the Boko Haram insurgency, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 30 years.
According to the Federal Ministry of Justice, the recent verdicts mark a continued effort to bring terrorists and insurgents to justice under Nigerian and international law.
“We remain committed to ending terrorism through lawful and transparent judicial processes,” said Justice Ministry spokesperson, Grace Ojeh.
⚖️ Background: The Kainji Terrorism Trials
The Kainji trials—named after the Kainji Military Detention Facility in Niger State—are Nigeria’s most significant judicial initiative to prosecute terrorism-related suspects. Since 2017, the trials have handled hundreds of cases, focusing primarily on members of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Thousands of detainees were arrested in connection with:
- Terrorist attacks on civilians and military targets
- Kidnappings of school children and aid workers
- Recruitment and radicalization of minors
- Arms trafficking and illegal border operations
The legal process includes pre-trial screenings, full court proceedings, and access to legal representation—ensuring compliance with human rights standards, the ministry added.
👥 Who Was Convicted?
The 44 individuals recently sentenced were found guilty of:
- Participating in attacks on communities in Borno and Yobe States
- Providing material support to terrorist organizations
- Concealing weapons and sheltering insurgents
- Involvement in the Chibok and Dapchi abductions (for some defendants)
Sentences varied based on the severity of offenses and cooperation during trial proceedings. Many received 25 to 30-year prison terms, while a few were given reduced sentences due to plea bargains and evidence of rehabilitation efforts.
🇳🇬 National and International Reaction
The verdicts have been welcomed by security analysts, victims’ families, and human rights advocates, who see them as a milestone in Nigeria’s war against terrorism.
“Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done,” said Mariam Sulaiman, Director at the Centre for Terror Victims Advocacy. “These trials give victims a voice and restore public trust.”
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also acknowledged Nigeria’s progress, urging the government to strengthen post-trial reintegration and deradicalization programs.
📊 Quick Facts
| Key Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Convictions (to date) | 785 |
| New Convictions (July 2025) | 44 |
| Prison Terms | 15 to 30 years |
| Major Offenses | Terrorism, aiding Boko Haram |
| Trial Venue | Kainji Military Facility |
🔍 What’s Next?
Officials confirmed that over 100 additional cases are still pending at various stages of prosecution. The Federal Government has pledged to expand court infrastructure, increase legal aid access for suspects, and boost forensic capabilities for terrorism investigations.
These developments form part of a broader national strategy combining military operations, counter-terror financing, community engagement, and judicial accountability.