The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government has not prosecuted individuals allegedly linked to terror financing because the cases involve complex, sensitive investigations that cannot be rushed.
Idris, who spoke on Politics Today on Channels Television on Friday, stressed that contrary to widespread assumptions, the issue is not as straightforward as compiling a list of suspects and filing charges immediately.
His remarks come amid renewed public frustration over the government’s perceived inaction in the fight against insecurity, especially as terror attacks, kidnappings, and banditry continue to destabilise several parts of the country.
For years, Nigerians have pressed successive administrations to reveal and prosecute those believed to be funding Boko Haram, ISWAP, and violent bandit groups operating across the North.
During the Buhari administration, senior officials hinted that some suspected financiers had been identified, leading many to expect swift legal action.
But Idris said the absence of prosecutions does not imply inaction, and insisted that investigators must establish airtight evidence before any trial can begin.
Despite this reassurance, critics argue that the continued delay has worsened public distrust, with civil society organisations and security experts warning that the lack of accountability emboldens criminal networks and undermines national security efforts.
Addressing the matter, Idris said, “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. In some cases, there are merits in what they said.
“You don’t say, ‘because pronouncements have been made, let me take you to court directly.’ There must be sufficient investigation carried out.
“Unfortunately, when you are fighting these kinds of battles, it is not something that you just sort out within a day or two. That is why, all the time, we are calling on our partners within and outside this country to understand the complexity and diversity of the situation we have here.”
The minister insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is “working assiduously” to tackle terrorism and other security challenges.
He added that notable progress has been recorded since May 2023, even if many Nigerians may not readily acknowledge the improvements.
“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 taken off our society.
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“Over 17,000 of them have been apprehended. Even as we speak, some of them are having their day in court, and some have been sentenced. I think we should recognise these efforts.”
On the delayed appointment of ambassadors, the minister said President Tinubu was already finalising the list, adding that the nominees were undergoing security vetting.
The minister also confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria, the United States, and other countries, explaining that misunderstandings about Nigeria’s security challenges were being clarified.
“We agree that ambassadors should be there (US), and the President has agreed that he is going to release this list. As I speak with you, the President is finalising it. They have passed them to security agencies for checks. I can tell you that ambassadors are going to be appointed pretty soon.
“There is diplomatic engagement happening between Nigeria and the United States and other countries. What we feel is that there is no proper understanding of what the situation is about.
“This is the message we are taking to them. 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.”