Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly denied claims by Turkey’s ambassador that a new terrorist group, known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), is operating in the country.
Contrary to Turkish allegations, Nigeria asserts no such group exists within its borders.
The claim originated from Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, who claimed FETO uses schools and health services to disguise its operations.
However, Poroy’s remarks were quickly rebutted by Maj‑Gen Adamu Laka, Coordinator of the National Counter‑Terrorism Centre, in an interview.
He stated: “There is no new terrorist group in Nigeria. There’s no need to panic”
Poroy had raised concerns during a Turkish Embassy event in Abuja, asserting FETO remains active and poses a threat in different sectors.
Turkey has pursued global efforts to crackdown on the organization, which it blames for a 2016 coup attempt.
Nigerians have been urged to remain alert, but not alarmed.
DHQ insisted intelligence services are monitoring credible threats, reinforced by ongoing work with regional security agencies via the Multinational Joint Task Force array.
What does this mean?
No verified evidence exists supporting FETO’s presence or terrorist activity in Nigeria.
Authorities ask citizens to rely only on official sources and avoid spreading unverified claims.
