Insecurity: Türkiye warns of FETO’s ongoing activities in Nigeria

The Turkish government has renewed its warning over the continued operations of the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) in Nigeria, stressing that the group poses a significant security threat.

This warning was issued by Türkiye’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, during a dinner hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday night to mark Türkiye’s Democracy and National Unity Day. The annual event commemorates the failed July 15, 2016 coup in Türkiye, which Ankara blames on the FETO network, allegedly led by exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen.

Poroy said although the coup was thwarted by the determination of Turkish citizens and security forces, the FETO network remains active in Türkiye and abroad.

“They are still being captured and arrested today,” Poroy stated. “Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still operates in Nigeria, particularly in sectors like education and healthcare.”

He noted that the Turkish government has regularly warned Nigerian authorities about the group, calling for increased vigilance against its activities.

According to Poroy, Turkish authorities have dismantled numerous FETO-linked networks globally, often reclaiming schools and institutions previously under the group’s control through international cooperation.

“FETO continues to disguise itself under humanitarian, educational, and interfaith platforms,” he said.

“But behind this image is an organisation that aims to infiltrate political and bureaucratic institutions in host countries.”

The Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet (meaning “Service” in Turkish), originated in the 1950s and was led by Fethullah Gülen, who died in exile in the U.S. in October 2024 at the age of 83.

The Turkish government classifies the movement as a terrorist group and holds it responsible for the 2016 failed coup, which claimed at least 251 lives.

In response, Ankara launched a global crackdown on FETO-linked individuals and institutions, shutting down or seizing affiliated schools, businesses, and foundations.

While the movement has denied any involvement in the coup and rejects the terrorist designation, several international organisations and countries—including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Pakistan, and Northern Cyprus—have officially designated FETO as a terrorist group.