The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained that the Federal Government has not prosecuted individuals suspected of financing terrorism because the process requires detailed and sensitive investigations that cannot be rushed.

Speaking on Politics Today on Friday, Idris stressed that contrary to popular perception, prosecuting terrorism financiers is not as simple as having a list of suspects and immediately taking them to court.

His comments come amid growing public concerns over alleged government inaction in tackling the escalating insecurity across the country. Successive administrations have faced pressure to identify and prosecute individuals suspected of supporting Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups in the North.

Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, authorities revealed that some suspected financiers had been identified, raising expectations that trials would follow. However, no high-profile prosecutions have occurred, fueling criticism from civil society organizations and security analysts, who argue that delays have weakened public trust in government efforts.

Idris clarified, “It is not a question of having the list or not having the list. Investigations must be conducted thoroughly. In some cases, there are merits to what has been said.

“You cannot simply say, ‘Because pronouncements have been made, let me take you to court directly.’ There must be sufficient investigation first. Fighting these kinds of crimes is not something that can be resolved in a day or two. That is why we constantly call on partners, both within and outside the country, to understand the complexity and diversity of the situation we face.”

The minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is “working diligently” to end terrorism and other security threats. He noted that significant progress has been made since May 2023, although many Nigerians tend to overlook these achievements.

“From May 2023 to date, over 13,500 criminals, including bandits and some jihadists, have been neutralized. More than 17,000 have been apprehended. Some are currently facing trials, and others have been sentenced. These efforts deserve recognition,” he said.

Addressing the delayed appointment of ambassadors, Idris said President Tinubu is finalizing the list of nominees, who are undergoing security vetting. He also confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria, the United States, and other countries to clarify misunderstandings about Nigeria’s security situation.

“We agree that ambassadors should be in place, and the President is finalizing the list. Security agencies are conducting checks. Ambassadors will be appointed soon. We are actively engaging with the US and other countries. Our message is that there is a real commitment to resolving the security crisis in Nigeria, and we are open to all forms of cooperation—regional, international, or bilateral—to achieve this,” Idris said.