The Turkish government has raised concerns over the presence of a terrorist group known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) operating within Nigeria, warning that its continued activities pose a serious threat to national security.
Speaking at a dinner in Abuja to commemorate Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day, Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, revealed that FETO, blamed for the failed 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, is still active in several countries, including Nigeria.
The event, organized by the Turkish Embassy, marks the anniversary of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt allegedly orchestrated by the Gülen movement—named after its exiled founder, Fethullah Gülen—whose supporters, the Turkish government claims, infiltrated institutions to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government.
Ambassador Poroy stated that despite global crackdowns, FETO continues to operate under the guise of humanitarian efforts, particularly in the sectors of education and healthcare in Nigeria.
“These individuals continue to be arrested globally. Their presence anywhere is dangerous,” Poroy warned. “We’ve consistently informed our Nigerian partners about the risks posed by this group and urge caution and vigilance.”
He emphasized that while Turkey has successfully shut down several FETO-linked operations in other countries, the group’s network has not been completely dismantled and remains active through deceptive fronts.
“In countries like Nigeria, FETO still carries out activities disguised as educational or health services, but their true aim is to infiltrate political and bureaucratic systems,” Poroy said.
He added that Turkish authorities have taken over many of the institutions once linked to FETO, including schools, but stressed the need for sustained international cooperation to root out the group’s influence.
Fethullah Gülen, founder of the movement and a Turkish cleric, died in October 2024 in the U.S. while living in exile. The Turkish government continues to brand the movement a global terrorist organisation, despite the group’s denial of involvement in terrorism.
So far, countries like Pakistan, Northern Cyprus, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have joined Turkey in officially designating FETO a terrorist group. Turkey has seized billions in assets from the organisation and continues its international efforts to curtail its reach.
NAN
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