Tinubu To Appoint More Judges To Handle Terrorism Cases, Says AGF

…Calls On Judiciary To Fast-Track Trials Of Terror Suspects

The Federal Government has called on the judiciary to rise up to its responsibility of ensuring that kidnappers, bandits, and terror suspects are promptly brought to justice to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, said prosecution is key to reducing insecurity across the nation.

Speaking on Monday at the 2025/2026 legal year opening of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Fagbemi stated, “At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country. From insurgency and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes, these threats imperil not only the safety of our citizens but also the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.”

He also said that, “The judiciary, as the guardian of justice and the custodian of the rule of law, must lend its weight to national efforts to combat insecurity. Through firm, consistent, and courageous adjudication, the courts can ensure that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable, that impunity is dismantled, and that the sanctity of human life and property is protected.”

Fagbemi noted that the government is prioritizing prosecution over prolonged detention or purely military action, targeting networks involved in mass-casualty attacks, kidnapping-for-ransom, extremist recruitment, and terror financing.

He added that swift administration of justice complements military and intelligence operations, and stressed that enhancing the capacity of judges is central to achieving speedy trials. In line with this, he said President Bola Tinubu will appoint additional Federal High Court judges to strengthen the judiciary’s ability to handle terrorism and other serious criminal cases promptly and effectively.

The AGF commended the Court of Appeal for innovations such as special sittings and Fast Track Practice Directions, which have significantly reduced case backlogs and expedited hearings for terrorism, kidnapping, and human trafficking cases.

He described these measures as essential to the administration’s anti-terrorism strategy and to restoring public confidence in the judicial process.

Fagbemi further noted the importance of maintaining a balanced relationship between the judiciary and the executive, emphasizing that mutual respect and institutional independence ensure that the machinery of governance functions harmoniously while the rule of law is upheld.