Türkiye Warns of FETO Terrorist Group’s Persistent Threat in Nigeria

Emmanuel Kwada

The Turkish government has issued a renewed warning about the ongoing activities of the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) in Nigeria, highlighting the group’s potential threat to the country’s national security.

The alert was raised by Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, during a dinner hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday night to commemorate Türkiye’s Democracy and National Unity Day, which marks the failed coup attempt in Türkiye on July 15, 2016.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Poroy attributed the 2016 coup attempt to FETO, a group allegedly led by the late Turkish Islamic cleric Fethullah Gülen, who died in exile in Pennsylvania, United States, in October 2024 at the age of 83.

Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy

The failed coup, which resulted in at least 251 deaths, was thwarted by the collective resistance of Turkish citizens and loyal security forces. However, Poroy emphasized that FETO remains a global threat, continuing its operations in various countries, including Nigeria.

“They are still being captured and arrested today. The presence of such an organization poses a threat to every country in which it operates,” Poroy stated. He expressed particular concern about FETO’s activities in Nigeria, noting that the group maintains a significant presence, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors.

“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organization still maintains its activities in Nigeria,” he said, urging Nigerian authorities and citizens to remain vigilant. Poroy highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to dismantle FETO-linked networks worldwide, in collaboration with international partners. He disclosed that numerous schools and institutions previously controlled by the group have been seized by the Turkish government or its agencies abroad.

You must not forget that behind this humanitarian appearance lies an organization that seeks to infiltrate the political and bureaucratic institutions of host countrie

Despite these successes, the ambassador cautioned that FETO continues to operate covertly, often disguising its activities under the guise of humanitarian, educational, and interfaith initiatives. “You must not forget that behind this humanitarian appearance lies an organization that seeks to infiltrate the political and bureaucratic institutions of host countries,” he warned.

The Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet (Service) in Turkish, was founded in the 1950s by Fethullah Gülen and operates as a global network with a focus on education, interfaith dialogue, and charity.

However, the Turkish government officially designates it as a terrorist organization, accusing it of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt. In the aftermath, Türkiye launched a sweeping crackdown, freezing or seizing assets of FETO-linked schools, businesses, foundations, and individuals worldwide.

We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organization and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious

The movement has consistently denied involvement in the coup and rejects the terrorism label. Several international bodies, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Pakistan, and Northern Cyprus, have aligned with Türkiye’s stance, formally designating FETO as a terrorist organization. Despite these measures, the group’s continued presence in countries like Nigeria remains a point of contention.

Ambassador Poroy reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to address the FETO threat. “We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organization and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious,” he said.

The warning underscores the broader diplomatic and security cooperation between Türkiye and Nigeria, as both nations navigate the challenges posed by transnational threats. The Turkish Embassy’s event in Abuja served as both a commemoration of Türkiye’s resilience against the 2016 coup attempt and a platform to raise awareness about the ongoing global activities of FETO.

As Türkiye continues its efforts to curb the group’s influence, the call for vigilance in Nigeria highlights the complexities of addressing transnational organizations operating under humanitarian pretexts.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)

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