The Federal Government has announced plans to appoint more Federal High Court judges to expedite trials of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry cases, as it intensifies efforts to combat insecurity through the judicial system.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, made this disclosure on Monday during the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, calling on the judiciary to fast-track the prosecution of terror suspects to safeguard Nigerian lives.
Fagbemi emphasised that prosecution has become a critical component of the nation’s strategy to reduce insecurity, stressing that the judiciary must rise to its responsibility of ensuring kidnappers, bandits, and terror suspects are promptly brought to justice.
“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,” the AGF stated.
He underscored the judiciary’s pivotal role as the guardian of justice and custodian of the rule of law, noting that the courts must support national efforts to combat insecurity through firm, consistent, and courageous adjudication.
“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 declared.
The minister revealed that the government is prioritizing prosecution over prolonged detention or purely military action, specifically targeting criminal networks involved in mass-casualty attacks, kidnapping-for-ransom, extremist recruitment, and terror financing.
He explained that swift administration of justice complements military and intelligence operations, adding that enhancing judicial capacity through the appointment of additional judges is central to achieving speedy trials.
President Bola Tinubu will appoint the additional Federal High Court judges to strengthen the judiciary’s ability to handle terrorism and other serious criminal cases promptly and effectively, according to Fagbemi.
The AGF commended the Court of Appeal for implementing innovative measures 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 judicial reforms as essential to the administration’s anti-terrorism strategy and crucial for restoring public confidence in the judicial process.
Fagbemi also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced relationship between the judiciary and the executive, stating that mutual respect and institutional independence ensure harmonious governance while upholding the rule of law.
The announcement signals a comprehensive approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges by strengthening the judicial arm of government to complement ongoing military and intelligence operations against criminal elements threatening the nation’s peace and stability.
