Why we are yet to prosecute terrorism sponsors – FG

…As terrorists target schools

…FG, Plateau shut schools

The federal government has explained why the long-anticipated prosecution of alleged terrorism financiers has yet to begin, insisting that the process requires painstaking, highly sensitive investigations that cannot be rushed.

Mohammed Idris, minister of Information and National Orientation, gave the clarification on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Idris said public expectations of immediate arrests and trials overlook the complexity of tracking and proving terror-funding networks.

He noted that despite mounting frustration among Nigerians, the government cannot simply compile names or act on public accusations without incontrovertible evidence.

“It’s not about whether a list exists or not. The issue isn’t that straightforward,” he said.

“You don’t rush to court simply because someone made a public pronouncement. Proper investigations must be carried out, and some of the concerns people raise are valid.”

Public pressure has intensified in recent years, especially after officials under former President Muhammadu Buhari announced that several suspected financiers had been identified.

Hopes of swift prosecution have since waned, with critics accusing successive governments of failing to demonstrate genuine commitment to dismantling the financial backbone of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups.

Idris, however, insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is not complacent. According to him, significant progress has been recorded in security operations since May 2023, even though these gains often go unnoticed.

He said, “More than 13,500 bandits, criminals, and jihadists have been neutralised and over 17,000 arrested since May 2023. Many are already facing trial, and some have been convicted.”

The minister also addressed delays in ambassadorial appointments, confirming that the president has finalised the list, which is now undergoing security vetting.

Beyond domestic efforts, Idris said Nigeria is ramping up diplomatic engagement with the United States and other countries to correct misconceptions about the nation’s security landscape and to strengthen international partnerships.

“We are open to any regional or global collaboration, American or otherwise, that can help end this crisis,” he added.

Despite the persistent public demand for transparency and accountability, the government maintains that terrorism-financing prosecutions will only begin when investigations are watertight and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.

Kidnappers target schools

Meanwhile, terrorists have intensified activities in Nigerian school, taking away 25 students from a Kebbi State school last Monday.

Kidnappers also took 315 students and teachers from St Mary’s Catholic school in Niger State.

“After we left the school at Papiri, we decided to make calls, do verification exercise and do further inquiries on those we had thought escaped successfully, only to discover that 88 more students were also captured after they tried to escape,” Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora diocese, said.

FG, Plateau shut schools

Meanwhile, the federal government, on Friday, ordered the closure of 41 unity secondary schools over the surging security concerns across the country.

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, in a statement, gave the directive to shut down the concerned schools following ‘recent security challenges’ in parts of the country and the need to prevent breaches.

According to the circular signed by Hajia Abdulkadir, director of Senior Secondary Education, on behalf of the minister, all principals of affected schools are to enforce the closure without delay.

The 41 schools are in states across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South.

The affected schools are: FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, and FTC Wurno.

Also affected are: FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omuaran, FTC Gwanara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, and FGC Rubochi.

Others are: FGGC Abaji, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, and FTC Zambuk.

Also, Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), also on Friday, ordered the immediate shutdown of all basic schools across the state as part of urgent preventive measures aimed at safeguarding pupils and communities.

The directive, signed by Richard Nanpon Jonah, the Public Relation Officer (PRO) on behalf of the management of the board, made available to Journalists on Friday in Jos said it affects Government Junior Model Secondary Schools (GJMSSs), primary schools and day schools.

According to PSUBEB, Government Junior Model Secondary Schools are to close effective Saturday, 22 November 2025, while all primary and day schools will shut down beginning Monday, 24 November 2025.

“The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB) has directed the immediate closure of schools across the state as follows: Government Junior Model Secondary Schools (GJMSSs) will close effective Saturday, 22 November 2025. Primary and Day Schools will close effective Monday, 24 November 2025,” the statement said.