By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained why the Federal Government has not yet prosecuted individuals suspected of financing terrorism in Nigeria, stressing that the process requires extensive and delicate investigations.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Idris said contrary to public perception, the matter is not as simple as having a list of suspects and immediately taking them to court.
“It is not a question of having the list or not having the list; it is not as simplistic as that. Investigations have to be conducted. You don’t say, ‘because pronouncements have been made, let me take you to court directly.’ There must be sufficient investigation carried out,” he said.
Idris noted that the Tinubu administration is working diligently to tackle terrorism and other security threats, highlighting progress made since May 2023. “Sometimes we forget the successes we have recorded in the fight against bandits, criminals, and some of these jihadists. From May 2023 to date, over 13,500 of these criminals have been neutralised and over 17,000 apprehended. Even as we speak, some of them are having their day in court, and some have been sentenced,” he said.
The minister also addressed the delayed appointment of ambassadors, confirming that nominees are undergoing security vetting and that the President is finalising the list. He added that ongoing diplomatic engagements with the United States and other countries aim to clarify misunderstandings about Nigeria’s security situation.
“We are open to any kind of cooperation—regional, international, American or anybody who wants to see that there is an end to this crisis in Nigeria,” Idris said.